BK RevelationExplained Volume2

The Book
of
Revelation Explained
Volume 2
Chapters 4-8:2
Earl R. Borders
Printed by:
The Church of God, God's Acres

675 N. Cedar Street
Newark, OH 43055
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Printed 2006
Do not copy or reprint without

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FOREWORD
It is with a sense of deep gratification, yet profound humility, that I present to the church The Book of
Revelation Explained, Volume Two. It is humbling and sobering that the Lord has committed such a great
task to such a small man. Jesus said in Luke 17:10, ". . . when ye shall have done all those things which are
commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Certainly
those words of our Lord describe our feelings very well.
We have endeavored to set forth these precious truths, because we have a great burden for the saints to
have "the eyes of your understanding . . . enlightened" (Ephesians 1:18) and for those who have not had the
benefit of seeing these precious truths before that they might be able "to come unto the knowledge of the
truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
In these writings you will notice that in the exposure of spirits and systems that we are expressly explicit.
However, it must always be remembered that we are speaking of systems and the spirits that motivate those
systems, not individuals. We are not in any way against any individual; our burden in speaking in such a
plain manner is prompted by a love for the souls of men. We do not want to see precious souls duped by
these spirits and systems that are contrary to the Scriptures. We desire that those who are bound by them will
see a revelation of truth and "Come out of her [Babylon]" (Revelation 18:4) and be gathered back to Zion
where all the true saints belong.
As nearly as possible, we have attempted to set forth the prophetic truths and aspects of the Scriptures
under consideration rather than the practical aspects. We recognize that there are hosts of practical
applications which may be derived from the Revelation. However, it has been our intent to set forth their
prophetic application. It has been our thought that once one is familiar with the prophetic content of the
message, then when they hear a practical application preached, they will have a point of reference to better
understand the practical aspect being applied.
I would be remiss if I did not convey my heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous company of dedicated
laborers who have made what you hold in your hands possible. The Psalmist said, "The Lord gave the word:
great was the company of those that published it" (Psalm 68:11). I would like to recognize Sister Sheri
Strelecky who has served as the editor for this daunting task. Her untold hours of labor and tireless efforts
will only be revealed by eternity and hence can only be rewarded by the Lord. Also, this book would not have
been possible without the great host of transcribers, typists, editors, proof readers, and Print Shop staff who
each played a vital role in this process. To each of these I offer a heartfelt thank you and am confident that
"God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name"
(Hebrews 6:10).
I want to offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Pastor Roger L. Decker. His unwavering support
of the truth of the Revelation message has made this publication possible. Without his commitment to the
truths contained in this book, it is very doubtful that it would ever have come to fruition. For this I am
eternally grateful. I not only count Brother Decker as a faithful man of God, but I am glad to count him as
a friend.
So without further adieu, I humbly present for your edification and to the Glory of God, The Book of
Revelation Explained, Volume Two.
Yours in Christ,
Earl R. Borders
Newark, Ohio
January 2006
The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

PREFACE
You will notice that The Book of Revelation Explained, Volume 2, begins with Chapter 4, not Chapter
1 and ends with Chapter 8, verse 2. This is to correspond with the chapters in Revelation that deal with
the seals series. Chapters 1-3 cover the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia and are explained in
The Book of Revelation Explained, Volume 1.
These books are divided in this manner for ready reference sake. Thus, when studying a chapter in the
Book of Revelation, you will turn to the same numerical chapter in The Book of Revelation Explained,
Volume 1 or The Book of Revelation Explained, Volume 2.

The Time Delineation of the Revelation
There are seven series in the Revelation. They carry us from the morning-time portion of the
Gospel Day to the evening time or the seventh-seal period of time. The Revelation retraces the
Gospel Day seven times. It does this by taking us (through the vehicle of these series) through the
seven periods that comprise the Gospel Day. It portrays the seven spirits of God carrying the truth
into all the earth (Revelation 5:6; 1:20). The seven letters to the seven churches of Asia describe
the predominant spiritual condition during each period of time.
A.D. 33 A.D. 270 A.D. 530 A.D. 1530 A.D. 1730 A.D. 1880 A.D. 1930
Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea
1 C. 2 C. 3
(Chapter 1 is an introduction to Series One)
2 C. 6 C. 7 C. 8:1-2
(Chapters 4 & 5 are an introduction to Series Two)
3 C. 8:2-13 C. 9 C. 10
4 C. 11
5 C. 14
C. 12 C. 13 C. 15
C. 16
C. 17
C. 18
C. 19
6 C. 20
C. 21:9-16
7 C. 21:1-8
C. 22

T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SEALS SERIES

CHAPTER FOUR
P ART O NE: The New Covenant

and What It Produces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
P ART T WO: Agents of the Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CHAPTER FIVE
Preparation for Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
THE SEALS
CHAPTER SIX
The First Seal (A.D. 33-270) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

The Second Seal (A.D. 33-270) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The Third Seal (A.D. 270-530) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
The Fourth Seal (A.D. 530-1530) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Fifth Seal (A.D. 1730-1880) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
The Sixth Seal (A.D. 1880-1930) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
CHAPTER SEVEN
Spiritual Truths and Visions

Restored in the Sixth Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Seventh Seal (A.D. 1930-Second Advent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

CHAPTER FOUR–PART ONE
The New Covenant and What It Produces
Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which
I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things
which must be hereafter.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the
throne.
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round
about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty
elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps
of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
A Door Opened in Heaven
Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, contain the seven letters to the congregations in proconsular Asia, which are
representative of the entirety of the Gospel Day. Since the Laodicean epistle (the seventh candlestick age) completed
the Gospel Day, the scene has changed in Revelation, Chapter 4. Keep in mind that the Book of Revelation teaches
in a manner known as parallelism. In other words, Christ takes one through this Christian dispensation in the form of
the seven letters, and in each letter He emphasizes special aspects of that period of the Gospel Day. Then, He begins
another series to accent another facet of truth. This is done repeatedly until the picture is complete. This is not totally
unique to the Book of Revelation, for Jesus used this same manner of teaching in Luke, Chapter 15, where He related
three accounts that teach the same basic truth: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. These accounts are vivid
examples of how Jesus employed parallelism as a manner of conveying the truth.
Revelation, Chapters 4 and 5, basically introduce us to the opening of the seven seals, which begin in Revelation,
Chapter 6. This in no way minimizes the value or prophetic merit of Chapters 4 and 5, because they roll back the veils
of time and give a glimpse of eternity. They also portray the intricate design and institution of the spiritual realities
that we so freely enjoy today.
Revelation 4:1 says, "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven . . . ." This must have been a
scene that afforded John great pleasure. To understand why, recall that the physical setting of our Scripture text is John
banished to the Isle of Patmos. He was unable to minister in the manner in which he was accustomed. No doubt he was
praying as the Apostle Paul did when he penned Colossians 4:3, which says, "Withal praying also for us, that God
would open unto us a door of utterance." Here was the great Apostle John, that beloved disciple, with seemingly every
door shut to him. Man had placed him in a position where he was cut off, where every door was shut, but as he "looked
. . . behold, a door was opened in heaven." Though man had put him in a position where he was cut off, though the
outlook was bleak, the uplook was vastly different.
When all other doors are shut, the door of divine revelation can still be open. This is why we, as God's people, are
repeatedly instructed to "lift up your heads" (Luke 21:28) and to "lift up your eyes" (John 4:35). Do not get your eyes
on the level of circumstances lest you become engulfed by them. Peter learned this in Matthew 14:27-30. As long as
he kept his eyes focused on Christ, Who is the truth (John 14:6), he was above all the surrounding circumstances.
However, as soon as his vision dropped to a human level, he was engulfed by circumstances.
John saw "a door," representing an access or opportunity. Jesus said in John 10:9, "I am the door." Certainly, He
is not literally a door, but He merely meant, "I am the access, the mode of entrance." When Paul prayed for a door of
utterance, he was crying out for an opportunity, for access to a people. Remember, this vision is figurative. So here in
Revelation 4:1, John saw an opportunity made available. What was the opportunity for? Well, where was this
The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 7

opportunity? Verse 1 goes on to say it was "in heaven," letting us know that this scene took place in an exalted position
(Ephesians 2:6), or in a spiritual position. This is borne out with the call to "come up."
After John saw this "door," he penned, "And the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with
me." This is a figure of the voice of Christ (Revelation 1:10-11; 22:13, 16). What was His message? Revelation 4:1
says, "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." Here we gain this insight: if one is to gain
a real vision of truth, he or she must spiritually move from an earthly position to a heavenly one. Truth cannot be
perceived on the low plains of the earth (humanity); it requires communication with the Divine Source. According to
Hebrews 12:2, "the author and finisher of our faith" is Jesus, and Revelation 4:2 tells us His Agent is "the spirit." It
still takes the Spirit and a reliance upon Him to understand divine realities. John could have missed viewing this entire
scene if he had not been sensitive and responsive to the Spirit.
Also, in Revelation 4:1 John gave an indication of the prophetic setting. He wrote of the "things which must be
hereafter." Bear in mind that Chapter 3 completes one series and Chapter 4 introduces another. Christ was rolling back
the curtain of eternity, starting the prophetic scene over, returning to where it all began. Where is that? Revelation 4:2
tells us, "Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." The beginning of this Gospel Day and the plan
of redemption that began it had its ultimate conception in God. It was God who "so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son" (John 3:16). God is the Supreme Monarch. He is always pictured, as Revelation 4:2 portrays, on
"the throne." Here again is a term with which a studied Hebrew would be familiar. The Prophet Micaiah said in 1 Kings
22:19, "I saw the LORD sitting on his throne." The Prophet Isaiah saw Him and declared in Isaiah 6:1, "I saw also the
Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up." In the Revelation, the throne of God is mentioned in almost every
chapter, showing that God stands back of each of these truths as its ultimate Designer and Administrator.
Many times in looking at the redemption aspect of the Gospel Day and in viewing Christ and His work, we fail to
realize that God, the Father, was the Administrator, the ultimate Sovereign, behind the plan. Revelation 19:6 declares,
". . . for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." When time shall be no more, and Christ sits down, it will be God who will
reign. Look at 1 Corinthians 15:25, which says, "For he [Christ] must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet."
First Corinthians 15:28 tells us, "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be
subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."
It was God who stepped upon the stage of action and uttered the first Messianic prophecy of the Bible (Genesis
3:13-15), and it was God who "so loved the world that he gave" (John 3:16). Jesus, in the parable of the wicked
husbandmen, said in Luke 20:13, "Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son . . . ."
In Galatians 4:4-5 the writer said: "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son . . . To redeem
. . . ." Who designed and instituted this? God! It is only fitting that when Christ, through the Spirit, showed John a
vision, in the first scene he saw the "he" (verse 3) in that heavenly position was representative of God. Why? Because
this is where it all began. He is the source of it all. It also portrays the ultimate authority. Throughout this chapter, we
also see a portrayal of God's order in the church. First, we see described the position of "The Lord God omnipotent"
(Revelation 19:6).
John's Vision of the Glory of the Lord
Let us notice what John saw. Revelation 4:3 says, "And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a
sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald." Let me dispel
one thought that often looms to mind. John did not see a vision of God personally. In Exodus 33:20 God said that "there
shall no man see me, and live." Thousands of years later John penned in his Gospel account, "No man hath seen God
at any time" (John 1:18). In 1 John 4:12, subsequent to coming off Patmos, again John declared, "No man hath seen
God at any time." If he did not see God, what did he see? The prophets caught a glimpse of the same vision. Let us see
how they described it.
Ezekiel 1:26-28 tells us: "And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the
appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above
upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his
loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and
it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the
appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD . And when
8 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake." Here Ezekiel beheld a very similar scene to what
John saw. What did he describe the appearance as? He said in verse 28, "This was the appearance of the likeness of
the glory of the LORD ."
Let us look a little closer and find where this glory is housed. Ezekiel's rendering spoke of "a sapphire stone,"
which was "the colour of amber." In Ezekiel 8:2, a portrayal of the same type of scene, he said, ". . . as the appearance
of brightness, as the colour of amber." In Revelation 4:3 John wrote, ". . . like a jasper and a sardine stone." Both
of these visions were related in terms of brilliant light. Ezekiel was dazzled by the radiant light that flashed from these
precious stones. Certainly, there is a significance in these stones (which we shall get to shortly), but just as an
overview, these stones are a scene of light. John taught in 1 John 1:5 that "God is light." The epistle to Timothy
described God as "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto" (1 Timothy 6:16).
The Psalmist spoke of God as He "who coverest thyself with light as with a garment" (Psalm 104:2). What is the
picture? The vision John saw, in Ezekiel's words, was "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD "
(Ezekiel 1:28). Why is it that when ones try to view God, all they see is the glory? The reason is that He covers Himself
"with light" (Psalm 104:2). Why is this important? The design of salvation is to get this light and glory from God to
man, and a vast part of the Revelation is the vision of how God accomplishes this. Was He successful? Certainly so!
When John saw "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 21:9), the first feature that he saw he described as "having
the glory of God" (Revelation 21:11). He went on to say that "her light was like unto a stone most precious."
Back in Revelation 4:3 we see that this glory and light began with God. Then God's desire was to get it down to
man. How does He accomplish this? Revelation 4:3 says that "there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight
like unto an emerald." Here is a symbol that is very familiar in the Scripture: "there was a rainbow." What is this
emblematic of? In Genesis 9:13 we are first introduced to this figure. God said, "I do set my bow in the cloud, and it
shall be for a token [one rendering says, 'I put my rainbow in the clouds, and it shall be a symbol'; a symbol of what?]
of a covenant between me and the earth." This bow, or "rainbow," represented a covenant. But in Revelation 4:3 this
"rainbow round about the throne" was "in sight like unto an emerald." This one had a different cast to it. The
difference was that while it was a "rainbow," it also was "in sight like unto an emerald." This was something new.
The rainbow is a symbol of a covenant, and this "rainbow" had something that was new, teaching us that this
represents a new covenant.
When Christ came forth, in the dawning of the morning of the Gospel Day (Revelation 6:2), He "had a bow." He
came forth with the new covenant (the New Testament) in the morning time of the Gospel Day. Hebrews 9:15 declares
that "he [Christ] is the mediator of the new testament." Hebrews 8:6 says that "he is the mediator of a better covenant."
So, this rainbow round about the throne portrays the new covenant and where it began–about the throne. It started in
the mind of God Himself.
The Seven Colors of the Rainbow
Let us consider this "rainbow." We have already discovered that Ezekiel saw this same vision and described it
in Ezekiel 1:28. It reads, "As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance
of the brightness round about." This shows that the brightness, the glory of the Lord, is contained in this bow, the new
covenant. What makes up a rainbow? A rainbow consists of seven colors, the biblical number for perfection, or
completeness. Every time a rainbow is formed, it will have the same seven colors, and they will appear in the same
order. These seven prismatic colors are the colors from which all others are formed. Each of these seven colors
represents a part of the covenant, a divine attribute of the covenant, and also symbolizes one of the seven periods of
the Gospel Day.
Revelation 4:5 mentions "the seven Spirits of God," denoting that this passage must have a prophetic setting.
It is a picture of a message going forth during the seven periods in which these "seven Spirits of God" work. Also,
these seven prismatic colors are the same seven colors that appear in the stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus
28:17-21) and that are described in the foundations of the wall of the city (Revelation 21:19-20).
Let us look at the seven colors of the rainbow. They are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These
colors are constant; they do not vary in appearance or in order. These seven colors were in the high priest's breastplate,
and as such, each represented a tribe of Israel. Exodus 28:21 verifies this. It says, "And the stones shall be with the
names of the children of Israel [Jacob] . . . ." Exodus 39:14 says, ". . . every one with his name, according to the twelve

tribes." Let us compare the colors of the rainbow with the corresponding stones in the breastplate and in the wall and
perhaps the tribe it represented, to see the divine attribute of the covenant portrayed and discover the candlestick age
they represent.
RED : First is the color red. This was the sardius stone in the breastplate (Exodus 28:17), and in the foundation of
the wall of the city (Revelation 21:20). Also, red is a dominant color in John's description of the throne scene in
Revelation 4:3, which says, "And he that sat was to look upon like . . . a sardine stone."
This stone was blood red in color. In the new covenant, red represents the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The
outermost color on the rainbow is red, teaching that the outermost thing is the blood. One must first come through the
blood before he can go any further. The tribe this stone represents is the tribe of Judah, the tribe though which Christ
came. The first thing one must do is understand why Christ came, understand His sacrificial work and His shed blood.
This stone also symbolizes the first period of time (from A.D. 33 to A.D. 270), the morning time of this Gospel Day,
for Christ's blood was shed during this period. In Revelation 4:3 John described "a sardine stone," portraying the
great sacrificial price that was paid to purchase our salvation. The high premium that was expended is ever before God
and in His presence. God does not count it a light thing when people have "trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath
counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing" (Hebrews 10:29). This verse also
shows us that the blood is a vital part of the covenant.
ORANGE : The second color is orange. It is comparable to the onyx or sardonyx stone (Exodus 28:20; Revelation
21:20). Bear in mind that the stones referred to in that day were not necessarily as they are today. In ancient times, the
onyx was a fire-like orange color. Fire represents the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:3-4 says: "And there appeared unto them
cloven tongues like as of fire . . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Orange, fire-like brilliance is also
a portrayal of the brilliance of a "day dawn" (2 Peter 1:19). The tribe represented by the color orange is the tribe of
Asher, which means "blessed." The period of time represented here is a period when many of God's people were going
into bondage or apostasy (from A.D. 270 to A.D. 530). The name Asher reveals that those who held true to Christ and
truth in an era of apostasy were indeed blessed. So here we have a day dawn (2 Peter 1:19), those who have the Holy
Spirit (Acts 2:3-4), which is life (Romans 8:10), and contrasted with those going into bondage or apostasy.
The literal sun is only brilliant orange when there is darkness all around–at dawn. Accordingly, during this
candlestick age, spiritual darkness was gathering around. This was a transition period in the Gospel Day, and an
apostasy was taking place. Yet, right in the midst of it were a people who had a "day dawn," a people to whom the "Sun
of righteousness" had arisen (Malachi 4:2). Right in the midst of gathering darkness, these people had light and life.
Here we can see a picture of that divine attribute of the faithfulness of God (Lamentations 3:23). It is a vital element
of the covenant. Numbers 23:19 says, "Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
YELLOW : The next color is yellow, which corresponds with the beryl stone (Exodus 28:20), a brilliant yellow stone.
The tribe it represents is Dan, which literally means "judgment," or "he that judges." The time frame is that which is
referred to as the Dark Ages (from A.D. 530 to A.D. 1530). The brilliant yellow is a picture of a beautiful, precious,
golden light and a people who were blessed to see this light. This was an era when darkness was the prevailing
condition. Yet, God in His faithfulness sent judgment forth to His people. He allowed them to have understanding and
even put judgment on the system they faced. In the letter series (Chapters 2 and Chapter 3), we dealt with the negative
aspects of the Dark Ages–Satan's seat (Revelation 2:13), the doctrine of Balaam, idols, and fornication (Revelation
2:14). However, in this scene He was balancing the picture and showing the other aspect of this era of time.
While light in the natural is radiating brightly to one side of the earth, darkness fills the other side. While one side
basks in rays of sunlight, the other side is enshrouded in darkness. So it was in the Dark Ages. God prophesied and
said, "I will cause the sun to go down at noon" (Amos 8:9). While this was the prevailing condition, there were fifty
to sixty million martyrs who were blessed to see the light. Some say that there was no light in this age, and in the sense
of a public message, there was no light. Yet, the martyrs had light. How do we know? Because "God is light" (1 John
1:5), and they had God. Though the predominant condition was darkness, the saints had golden light! Those whose
names were written in the Book of Life did not worship the beast, Roman Catholicism, which held sway during the
Dark Ages (Revelation 13:8).
The Apostle Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5: "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should
overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness." He said that the brethren are all the children of light, not of the night nor of darkness. The martyrs did not
die grisly, horrifying deaths during this time period because they did not have any spiritual light; but they were

persecuted because light clashes with darkness and has no fellowship with it (2 Corinthians 6:14). The predominant
condition of the era was darkness, and people who can see light when darkness is all around are a blessed people. This
shows the persistence and preciousness of light and truth and the strength it provides to God's people.
GREEN : The next color of the rainbow is green, which correlates with the emerald (Exodus 28:18; Revelation
21:19). This is a bright green color without any mixture. The tribe it represents is Reuben, which means "see a son."
Green is a very soft, appealing color. It stands for the mercy of God, by which alone we can meet the purity and justice
of God. It portrays not only an essential element of the new covenant but the one that is centermost to the covenant.
There are three colors on each side of green in the rainbow. Mercy is the most central doctrine of Christianity. It is the
motivating force and all-encompassing virtue that has enabled men to receive the others.
Verse 3 of our Scripture passage says, "There was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an
emerald." When John looked upon "the throne, in sight" it was "like unto an emerald." The "emerald" represents
mercy, and all around the "throne" the primary sight is mercy. This is the overshadowing characteristic of the new
covenant. In the Old Testament they "died without mercy" (Hebrews 10:28), but the New Testament declares, "God
. . . is rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4). When you study the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11), you will see nine listed, and
"blessed are the merciful" is the centermost beatitude, with four on each side of it. Again, this is reinforcing the truth
that mercy is the centermost doctrine of Christianity. As stated earlier, the tribe represented by this stone is Reuben,
meaning "see a son." So we see that those who receive mercy and have a burden to have others receive it will cause
those to "see a son," or get a vision of what Christ can do for them. Certainly, the opposite is true as well–if there were
no mercy, there would be no vision of Christ.
This color of green symbolizes the Lutheran era, or the period of time from A.D. 1530 to A.D. 1730. During the
Dark Ages, the prevailing condition was one of harshness, persecution, and martyrdom, but the message of the
Lutheran era was a message of mercy. Salvation by faith (Romans 1:17; Ephesians 2:8-9) was put back in the midst
of the people in a public manner. This era restored the vision of Christ as a Savior.
BLUE : The fifth color in the bow is blue, which connects with the stone of sapphire (Exodus 28:18; Revelation
21:19). It is next in hardness to the diamond. The intense blue of the sapphire has made it, in all ages, the natural
symbol of heavenly purity. The tribe represented by this stone was Simeon, which means "hearing with acceptance."
This portrays the Wesleyan era, from A.D. 1730 to A.D. 1880, when the message of purity and holiness was restored.
One must truly have a hardness and firmness to maintain purity. Those who will enjoy this purity must have "hearing
with acceptance." They must have an ear to hear "what the Spirit saith" (Revelation 3:6) and continue to "walk in the
light" (1 John 1:7) to maintain this purity.
INDIGO : Sixth in order of color in the rainbow is indigo, which relates with jasper (Exodus 28:20; Revelation
21:19). There are two varieties of this stone, violet and bluish gray. Jasper corresponds with the tribe Naphtali, which
means "my wrestling." Here we have a combination of colors, symbolizing the sixth seal (A.D. 1880 to A.D. 1930),
or the sixth candlestick age, which had received the evening-light message and a revelation of many previous truths.
They did not have just a single message as other eras but a combination of the truth of them all. During this age, they
had the message on salvation or justification by faith, the message on holiness, and the message on the unity of God's
people. In this era there were many who accepted holiness, but there was great "wrestling" over the message to "come
out of her" (Revelation 18:4). Though many embraced it and came "to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their
heads" (Isaiah 35:10), many others wrestled with the message. In this time frame Christ was bringing together a people.
We can see this by studying Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 24:30-31.
VIOLET : Seventh, and last, the innermost color is violet. This corresponds with an amethyst (Exodus 28:19;
Revelation 21:20), and the tribe that it represents is Benjamin, which means "son of the right hand" and "reigning."
When Christ, the "son of the right hand," has been formed in us (Galatians 4:19), then we through Him "shall reign
in life" (Romans 5:17; Revelation 5:10). In this seventh-seal period of time, God has a victorious people. They are a
people so great that John called them "a great multitude, which no man could number" (Revelation 7:9). It goes on to
say that a "multitude" is comprised of "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues." God, in this seventh and
final period of time, has brought His people to full victory. He is calling His saints out of sectarian religion (Revelation
18:4), and He is amassing His people under the leadership of Christ. Thank God, this is not something that has been
done in a corner, but as Daniel 2:35 says, it has "filled the whole earth."

Seven Colors Denote Perfection
Colors are very special in the Word of God, especially as figurative representations. Consider how particular the
Lord was in His instruction for building the old tabernacle in the wilderness, in the specific colors of all the various
articles (see Exodus, Chapter 26). This was all by divine design for a purpose. (It is the same with the sacerdotal
vestures in Exodus, Chapter 28.) Consider Joseph, a type of Christ, and his coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3). We
have found in God's Word that the rainbow is spoken of numerous times. The rainbow has seven colors, and these same
colors were in the breastplate of the Old Testament high priest as well as in the New Testament foundations of the wall.
Also, these colors represented various tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:21).
Although, as a whole there were twelve tribes, they were broken down into four major divisions. (Numbers,
Chapter 2, will substantiate this point.) In these seven colors that we have studied, there are representatives of all four
of the major divisions of Israel. It is a picture of completeness, representing a complete transition from the old to the
new, and it portrays a new covenant that the new Israel can enjoy in this Gospel Day. This "rainbow" in Revelation
4:3, consisting of seven colors, denotes perfection or completion, with each color depicting an attribute of the new
covenant.
Notice that the colors are portrayed as one bow (Revelation 4:3), a "rainbow"–letting us know that they are all
parts of a whole and that we must have each of these attributes working in our lives to be complete and to shine as He
desires that we do. Must we do this to truly shine, to truly please God, and to be pure? Well, look at these prismatic
colors again. Science tells us that all seven of these colors together produce white. These attributes are all elements
of our white robe, our righteousness (Revelation 19:8). Without any one of these, our garment will not be white. These
seven lights together form pure white light and denote completeness. These seven attributes of the seven eras together
form the purity of the evening-time church and portray the completeness of the message. Also, you can only see this
"rainbow" in light; you cannot see it in spiritual Babylon.
Bear in mind, as we look back to our text in Revelation 4:3, it was this new covenant and the attributes that it
consists of that God ordained to use as the vehicle to get light and glory from God to man. It enabled them to share in
common those divine elements that make fellowship possible between God and His people. In or-der to make this a
possibility and a reality, the first thing that had to be established was a new covenant. Hebrews 8:6 declares that "a
better covenant, which was established upon better promises" was instituted.
Symbols From the Old Economy
Revelation 4:4 says, "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four
and twenty elders sitting . . . ." After viewing the "throne" scene in verse 3, the brilliance that God dwells in and
His plan to convey to man the new covenant, the next episode that we see is a portrayal of divine order and the agents
employed to implement the new covenant. Now, we must recall that John was very familiar with the old Hebrew
economy. He was even known by the high priest (John 18:15). So much of the imagery here refers to the old economy.
He speaks of "four and twenty elders" (Revelation 4:4), "seven lamps" (Revelation 4:5), "a sea of glass" and
"four beasts"–the Greek renders it as four "living creatures" (Revelation 4:6). All of these are references to the Old
Testament.
Let us examine Revelation 4:4. First, John spoke of "four and twenty elders." Keep in mind that we are dealing
in figurative expressions. First of all, let us recall that God had formulated a new covenant, and it had been instituted
by a "Lamb as it had been slain" (Revelation 5:6), which we will consider in more detail when we get to Revelation,
Chapter 5. Now this covenant must be conveyed to mankind. The plan, or the covenant, was initiated by One who "sat
on the throne" (Revelation 4:2). It was instituted by the supreme price of "a Lamb as it had been slain" (Revelation
5:6).
This Lamb is representative of Jesus Christ (John 1:29). Now it must be conveyed to mankind. Romans 10:14
verifies this necessity. Paul penned, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall
they believe in him of whom they have not heard?" Some may say that the Holy Spirit "will reprove the world of sin"
(John 16:8). Yes, He will, but look closer. How does He do this? John 16:7-8 states: ". . . for if I go not away, the
Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, [Where? Unto you.]

he will reprove the world of sin." How? Through you! That is where He is. There must be a human agency employed
for the Spirit of God to work through. Our Scripture text portrays this as well.
The "Four and Twenty Elders"
Before we see the "seven Spirits of God" (verse 5) appear, we first see "four and twenty elders" (verse 4),
showing us that the Holy Ghost must first have something to work with. In Romans 10:14 Paul declared, ". . . and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Thus to convey
the Gospel, or the new covenant, to mankind, God must have men, or preachers as Paul penned it. The Spirit of God
must have a ministry through which He can work.
In 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 we are told: ". . . but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the
new testament . . . of the spirit . . . ." Is this who "the elders" are that Revelation 4:4 is speaking of? Look at the
Apostle Peter's words in 1 Peter 5:1. He said, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder . . . ."
Here the Apostle Peter spoke of himself as being an elder. The Bible speaks of elders in Acts 20:17, telling us that Paul
"called the elders of the church." Paul had instructed Titus to "ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5).
What is the function of an elder? The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:17, "Let the elders that rule well be
counted worthy of double honour." Here we gain an insight into the function of an elder. Not only are they preachers,
but they are to rule as well. In this age of independent spirits, this is contrary to what many feel. However, Hebrews
13:17 admonishes, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: [Some may say that means the civil
authorities. No! He goes on to tell us:] for they watch for your souls." Also, Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember them
which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God." This is one who has spiritual rule or
authority. Does our Scripture text teach this? Look at Revelation 4:4. It states, "And round about the throne were
four and twenty seats [the Greek says 'thrones']."
Notice several truths here. These "elders," figures of the ministry, were round about the throne. A true ministry
is close to God; they have an audience with God; they "hear the word at my mouth" (Ezekiel 3:17). The ministry is
pictured as between the people and God. They "stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30). They are portrayed as the closest
to God and to the covenant. This is foreign to modern thinking, but a true, God-called man is going to hear and receive
the truth before the people do. Why? It is his responsibility to give it to the people.
We have in Revelation, Chapter 4, a description of divine order. The Source, "The Lord God omnipotent"
(Revelation 19:6), is He that "sat on the throne" (Revelation 4:2). Next, He formulated a "rainbow," emblematic
of the new covenant. Then it had to be instituted, so "in the midst of the throne . . . stood a Lamb as it had been slain"
(Revelation 5:6), representing Jesus Christ (John 1:29). Paul also mentioned part of the divine order when he wrote,
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ . . . and the head of Christ is God" (1 Corinthians
11:3). But in Revelation 4:4, the divine order is brought down further: "And round about the throne [close to God,
in His presence] were four and twenty seats [the Greek says 'thrones']: and upon the seats [or thrones] I saw four
and twenty elders sitting . . . ." The "elders" represent the ministry, and the "elders" are to rule.
The "thrones," which are what a ruler rules from, are where these "elders" are sitting. What does this mean?
These are the ones who sit in authority. These are the ones who have "the rule over you" (Hebrews 13:17). If this new
covenant is to operate as designed, God's people must recognize the fact that there are ones who are over them in the
sense of authority. First Corinthians 14:40 says to "let all things be done decently and in order," and to have order there
must be authority. Otherwise, who would keep order? Thus, the ministry must "preach the word." If some will not
respond to that properly, then the one who has the rule must "reprove, rebuke" (2 Timothy 4:2). We each want order,
but to have order we must have government, and to have government we must have governors.
Why was the figure of "four and twenty" employed in Revelation 4:4? This refers back to the old Levitical
priesthood. In 1 Chronicles 24:7-19 there were twenty-four courses of the Old Testament Jewish priesthood. First
Chronicles 24:2 says, "But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and
Ithamar executed the priest's office." Verse 4 adds, "Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the
house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers." The sixteen plus
eight equaled the twenty-four courses of priests.
First Chronicles 24:5 says, "Thus were they divided by lot . . . for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors
of the house of God." So, we see these twenty-four courses of priests were the "governors of the house of God." This

is the type; now let us get the antitype. What is "the house of God" in this dispensation of the new covenant? First
Timothy 3:15 plainly tells us, "The house of God . . . is the church of the living God." In one sense, these "four and
twenty elders" (Revelation 4:4) are the governors of the Church of God! They are those who are seated in authority.
Crowns of Gold
Let us look at why the number twenty-four was used. In 1 Chronicles the number twenty-four represented the
entirety of the priesthood: those who were "in their service" (1 Chronicles 24:19) and those who were "in the service
of the house of the LORD " (1 Chronicles 23:32). Likewise, these twenty-four "elders" represent the entirety of the
ministry throughout this Gospel Day, those entrusted as "faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2
Timothy 2:2). How do we know that they are faithful men? Revelation 4:4 says they were "clothed in white
raiment." This "raiment" that is "clean and white . . . is the righteousness of saints" (Revelation 19:8). These were
men who had "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). They could cry as Paul, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Because of their purity, their faithfulness, and their calling, "they had on their heads
crowns of gold" (Revelation 4:4).
What are these "crowns of gold" on their "heads"? Bear in mind that we are dealing in symbols. "On their
heads" means "on their minds." There is always something weighty, yet precious, on their minds. What was it?
"Crowns." What are these figurative of? Paul penned to the Thessalonian brethren, "For what is our hope, or joy, or
crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
The Prophet saw this as well when he wrote in Isaiah 62:2-3: "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness [this is a
New Testament setting] . . . and thou shalt be called by a new name . . . . Thou shalt also be a crown of glory . . . ."
Who is the "thou" that verse 3 refers to? It is those who have a new name, those who have salvation according to Isaiah
62:1. In Philippians 4:1 the Apostle said, "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and
crown . . . ." The saints are likened to a crown, and there is nothing more precious to a pastor than his people. They
are ever on his mind. He feels the weight of his responsibility. This is why Revelation 4:10 says that the ministry "cast
their crowns before the throne." A true ministry feels the weight and is constantly bringing their people before God.
In Revelation, Chapter 4, a faithful ministry was commissioned to take this new covenant to men. Some may say,
"Shouldn't we see the Spirit first? In the Scripture text, the ministry is commissioned first." This is a prophetic
portrayal, and this is the exact manner in which Jesus implemented the Gospel Day. He called the twelve first (Matthew
4:18-22); next He commissioned them (Matthew 10:1 and Luke 9:1-2); and then, when there was a ministry in place,
they were told they would receive the Holy Ghost (John 20:21-22).
"Four and Twenty" Is a Multiple of Twelve
Another reason for the "four and twenty" mentioned in Revelation 4:4 is because this is a multiple of twelve.
There are other multiples of twelve in the Book of Revelation: "twelve thousand" (Revelation 7:5-8); "an hundred forty
and four thousand" (Revelation 7:4 and Revelation 14:1); "twelve thousand furlongs" (Revelation 21:16); and "an
hundred and forty and four cubits" (Revelation 21:17). What is the significance of twelve? Jesus said, "Are there not
twelve hours in the day?" (John 11:9); "the sons of Jacob were twelve" (Genesis 35:22); and then there were "the
twelve tribes of the children of Israel" (Revelation 21:12), which represented God's people in the Old Testament era.
Twelve denotes entirety. Twelve hours were the entire day; twelve sons were Jacob's entire family; and the twelve
tribes were the entirety of old Israel.
Joshua was instructed in Joshua 4:2 to "take you twelve men out of the people." He was to command those men,
"Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan . . . twelve stones" (verse 3). Finally, he told them to take "every man of
you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel" (verse 5).
Twelve not only represents entirety, but it represents those who were saved from Egyptian bondage and the
wilderness and were able to enjoy Canaan. In the New Testament, God's people are referred to as "the twelve tribes
which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1). Today God's people are those who have been set free from spiritual Egypt
(sin's bondage) and are able to enter into an experience of full salvation. Thus, twelve denotes an entirety as well as
a reference to our salvation. Romans 11:26 tells us, "And so all Israel shall be saved." Old Testament Israel was
comprised of twelve tribes, and Canaan was their salvation from the wilderness. In type, this represents God's people

of the New Testament and our salvation from sin. Twelve is a figure of entirety and denotes entire salvation. Also, on
a corporate level, it denotes an entire transition from old to new.
A multiple of twelve, such as the "four and twenty" in our text, also means to multiply, or to amplify. It shows
that these men, the ministry, were responsible to amplify or multiply salvation. And they did. Acts 6:7 says, "And the
word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied . . . ." This happened because of prayer and the
ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). God's people in the Old Testament were literally only the twelve tribes. The Gentiles
were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and
without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). However, through Christ "old things are passed away; behold, all things
are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17), and a transition has taken place.
The Ministry Is Entrusted With a Powerful Message
Now, "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29). The new
Israel is comprised of "as many as walk according to this rule"(Galatians 6:16). What is that? It is being "a new
creature" (Galatians 6:15). This is the New Testament Israel of God. The old could be numbered: David numbered
Israel in 2 Samuel 24:2-10. However, the New Testament Israel is "a great multitude, which no man could number"
(Revelation 7:9). The New Testament is greatly multiplied or amplified. Acts 6:1 states, "And in those days . . . the
number of the disciples was multiplied." Throughout the Revelation, multiples of twelve are used to show the
superiority of the new covenant over the old. As in the case of the "four and twenty elders" (Revelation 4:4), it is
used to show an entire transition from the old ministry, those who were "of the letter," to those who are "of the spirit"
(2 Corinthians 3:6). There are those who feel that the old patriarchs or prophets are a portion of this picture. Keep in
mind, this is to be a figurative representation, not a literal scene, and the whole order of imagery here is to use the old
to convey the new, and the twenty-four is spoken of as a unit. Though it takes us into eternity, it is eternity past, to
show us the formulation and institution of the new covenant.
Next, let us look at the vehicle that they were entrusted with to produce a people of God. Revelation 4:5 says,
"And out of the throne [in other words, from God, of divine origin] proceeded lightnings and thunderings and
voices." This represents the message that the ministry is entrusted with. The figures of "lightnings and thunderings"
represent God's voice. Look at Exodus 19:16, which says, "And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that
there were thunders and lightnings." Exodus 19:19 says, "And God answered him by a voice." Job 37:4-5 declares:
". . . he thundereth with the voice of his excellency . . . . God thundereth marvelously with his voice . . . ." John 12:28-
29 says: "Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people
therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered . . . ." Thunder is commanding. Sharp peals of thunder are
arresting. They get your attention. The "thunderings" spoken of in Revelation 4:5 are a picture of a ministry entrusted
with a powerful, commanding, arresting message.
With thunder comes lightning. "The entrance of thy words giveth light" (Psalm 119:130). When this message from
the voice of God, or the Word of God, is proclaimed, men gain light. They can see clearly what their understanding
was dark to before. Paul said in Ephesians 4:18 that there are those who have their "understanding darkened." So, if
lack of understanding is darkness, then light is gaining understanding. Thus, the ministry is entrusted with a strong,
commanding, powerful message that brings light, or understanding, to men.
The Sea of Glass Is the Word of God
What is at the core of the Christian message that has such a strong effect on men? Let us read Revelation 4:6 and
see what the message was. It says, "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal . . . ." Here is
another scene that John was familiar with. This sea of glass, or the brazen sea (2 Kings 25:13; Jeremiah 52:7), was
more commonly called the laver (Exodus 40:7). The laver was constructed of brass (Exodus 30:18) and was polished
to the place that when ones looked upon it, they saw a clear reflection of themselves. It was placed between the tent
of the congregation and the altar (Exodus 40:7). The only article of tabernacle furniture before this was the brazen altar,
where the sin offering for atonement was made (Exodus 29:13).
Jesus Christ offered one sacrifice for sins forever (Hebrews 10:12). The sacrifice was Himself (Hebrews 9:26).
Because of that, we have access to the laver, and every man can truly see himself as he is (James 1:23-24). This glass,

or the sea of glass, is a figure of the Word (James 1:22). It is when we see ourselves as we truly are and see the
Sacrifice that was given that we can be cleansed. The Psalmist portrayed this cleansing in Psalm 119:9, which states,
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Thus, the laver, the
sea of glass, is the Word of God. The message that the true ministry is entrusted with is "the power of God unto
salvation" (Romans 1:16). The powerful message is that "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin"
(1 John 1:7). This is the message that resounds in Revelation 4:6 "like unto crystal." This is the clear message, a
precious message, and one that the true ministry in all eras have proclaimed. In many eras, they may not have had much
understanding, but in all times they heralded this message. It was not always the predominant public message, but
nonetheless it was preserved. We know this because Revelation 4:5 says, ". . . there were seven lamps of fire
burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
In each of the seven periods that comprise the Gospel Day, the Spirit of God has been working. One of this Divine
Agent's functions was to keep light burning throughout each period of time. There were "seven lamps of fire,"
denoting the facet of the Holy Ghost's ministry that perpetuates light. The Holy Spirit has perpetuated this new
covenant and allowed men to partake of it and have fellowship with God in every age of this New Testament
dispensation. This new covenant was committed to a faithful ministry, and as the Spirit anoints and leads this ministry,
they are able to declare a clear message that produces a godly people in every age of time.

CHAPTER FOUR –PART TWO
An Introduction to the Seals Series:

Agents of the Covenant
Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the
throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as
a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they
rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for
ever and ever,
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth
for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The Four Beasts
Revelation 4:6 says, ". . . and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full
of eyes before and behind." To clarify this further, let us look at a more detailed description in Revelation 4:7-8:
"And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and
the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him . . . ." The
word rendered beasts in the King James Version is actually rendered "living creatures" in the original Greek. The
actual Greek word is zoon and is totally distinct from the Greek word therion, which means "wild beast," and is the
Greek word used in Revelation, Chapter 13, and other places throughout the Apocalypse. The word zoon is found
approximately twenty times in the Book of Revelation and comes from the Greek word zoe, which is "life," and it
means "living creatures."
Ezekiel caught a glimpse of this vision and gave an insight into how these creatures were produced and what they
represent. Look at Ezekiel 1:1-14, which reads: "Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the
fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw
visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, The word of the
LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and
the hand of the LORD was there upon him. And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud,
and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the
midst of the fire. Also, out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their
appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
"And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like
the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had
their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every
one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the
right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their
faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered
their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not
when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like
the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire
went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning."

Let us examine these verses. Verse 1 tells us that "the heavens were opened, and I saw visions." Ezekiel was seeing
visions just as John did. Verse 4 says that "a whirlwind came out of the north." What does "the north" represent? Job's
writings tell us. In Job 37:9 we read, "Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north." "The north"
represents a cold condition. When John the Baptist came on the scene, Israel had not heard from God since the Prophet
Malachi. Daniel, in his prophecy of the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24-27), spoke of three score and two weeks, or sixty-
two weeks, with each week representing seven years (Genesis 29:27 and Ezekiel 4:6). Sixty-two times seven equals
434 years. These were the 434 years when man did not hear from God in a public message, the time from Malachi to
John. Israel was then a cold place, spiritually. Jesus said, "But in vain they do worship me [that period of silence moved
them to where they were], teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9).
Jesus also said, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they
themselves will not move them with one of their fingers" (Matthew 23:4). He called them "whited sepulchres . . . full
of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27). Matthew 4:16 says, "The people which sat in darkness
saw great light." These people were in gross darkness. They were in a very cold spiritual state. They had no compassion
and no reality; they made merchandise of the people and were very cold and calculating indeed.
Ezekiel 1:4 says, "A whirlwind came out of the north." Yet, Job's writings teach us that "out of the south cometh
the whirlwind" (Job 37:9). Now this is what is natural. So in Ezekiel we are seeing something that is contrary to nature.
It is not natural, but rather supernatural. What is this emblematic of? Well, read a little further in Ezekiel 1:4. It says
that "a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself." To understand what this represents,
look at Acts 2:1-4: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And
suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind [here is the whirlwind Ezekiel spoke of], and
it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost . . . ." Fire is emblematic of the Holy Spirit, and the
whirlwind portrays the Holy Spirit's powerful advent on the Day of Pentecost.
Living Creatures Are the Redeemed
Next, let us notice what the Holy Spirit produced on the Day of Pentecost. Ezekiel 1:5 says, "Also out of the midst
thereof came the likeness of four living creatures." We see the first of these "creatures" coming into view in Acts 2:41,
where we read, "The same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." They were produced when
the Holy Spirit became available to mankind. It could not have taken place previously because these are "living
creatures." Romans 8:10 teaches that "the Spirit is life," and in 2 Corinthians 3:6 Paul told us that "the spirit giveth
life." Ezekiel wrote in Ezekiel 1:12, "Whither the spirit was to go, they went." These "creatures" are living; they have
life; and they have the Divine Agent that produces it–the Spirit. This prophecy has a New Testament setting.
Why are they called "creatures"? Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature." Some may think that these are supernatural, or celestial, beings, but Ezekiel 1:5 says that "they had the
likeness of a man." These "living creatures" represent people. To understand what type of people, look at the song they
sing in Revelation 5:7-9: "And he [Christ] came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts [the Greek calls them 'living creatures'] and four and twenty elders
. . . sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and
hast redeemed us to God by thy blood . . . ." These "living creatures" are those who have been redeemed by the blood
and are now new creatures in Christ Jesus. They are not celestial beings, for celestial beings do not have "the spirit"
(Ezekiel 1:12).
The "four living creatures" (Ezekiel 1:5) represent the redeemed of all ages, or the entirety of the redeemed ones
of new Israel. How do we know? Notice their faces. (One is identified by the face.) Ezekiel 1:10 states, ". . . they four
had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they
four also had the face of an eagle." Notice John's description in our Scripture text (Revelation 4:7): "And the first
beast [the Greek says 'living creature'] was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a
face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle." Here are the same four faces.
Numbers, Chapter 2, tells us that all of old Israel was separated into four major divisions that encamped on the four
sides of the old tabernacle. Each division consisted of three tribes, and each had a predominant tribe. Each division
had its "own standard, with the ensign of their father's house" (Numbers 2:2). A standard, or ensign, is merely a banner

or a flag. Numbers 2:3 speaks of "the standard of the camp of Judah," which history tells us was a lion. Jacob
prophesied, "Judah is a lion's whelp" (Genesis 49:9).
Numbers 2:10 speaks of "the standard of the camp of Reuben," which was a man. Jacob's prophecy tells of Reuben
acting as a natural man would act. He said, "Thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to
my couch" (Genesis 49:4 and Genesis 35:22). Next is "the standard of the camp of Ephraim" (Numbers 2:18), which
was a calf. In Moses' final blessing, he said in Deuteronomy 33:16-17: ". . . let the blessing come upon the head of
Joseph . . . . His glory is like the firstling of his bullock . . . and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim [Joseph's son,
who became a tribe]." Lastly, "the standard of the camp of Dan" (Numbers 2:25) was an eagle. These were emblems
that Ezekiel and John, as Hebrews, were both very familiar with. These four divisions represented all of Israel, the
entirety of the people of God, in the old dispensation.
Where Are the Old Testament Brethren?
In our Scripture text we see these emblems put in the setting of the new covenant to portray an entire transition
from the old to the new. As these four ensigns represented all of the old Israel, so these "four living creatures" represent
all God's people under this "new and living way" (Hebrews 10:20). These "creatures" are the redeemed of all ages. But
where are the Old Testament brethren? We must remember that "the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ"
(Galatians 3:24). The legal era was a pointer, not an end in itself. It was designed to point men to the coming of Christ,
but did not bring deliverance in the Old Testament dispensation. The Apostle Paul penned in Galatians 3:22, "But the
scripture [the Old Testament] hath concluded all under sin," and Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death."
What about before the Law? Romans 5:14 says, "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses." What is the
picture? The vision Ezekiel was seeing of these "living creatures" was a vision of the Gospel Day, just as it was in
Ezekiel 36:26-27, where he penned: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will
take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." This is a definite, prophetic
doctrine concerning the Gospel Day. The Spirit of God was not available until after Christ was glorified (John 7:39)
and neither was the new heart. Much of Ezekiel's vision portrayed truths that were realized in the Christian
dispensation.
What about the Old Testament brethren? Under the old economy there was no rest from sin. There was no spiritual
life because death reigned. Provision was made for these brethren once every year. Hebrews 9:7 says on the Day of
Atonement that "into the second [room of the tabernacle] went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood,
which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people." When this was performed, they gained a year's reprieve
from their sins. Hebrews 10:3 says, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year."
So, continually, every year, they rolled their sins ahead for another year. Why? Because Hebrews 10:4 says, "For it
is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."
There was no saving merit in those old sacrifices or in the blood that was shed. Rather they did this with faith "on
him which should come" (Acts 19:4). It was accounted to them as justification. They were justified men. However,
the Law "can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto
perfect" (Hebrews 10:1). So the first thing that Christ's work accomplished was to remit the "sins that are past"
(Romans 3:25), and He enabled "the spirits of just men [to be] made perfect" (Hebrews 12:23).
Under the old economy, the people's sins were rolled ahead each year, until they were rolled up to Christ. Then,
Christ remitted the "sins that are past" (Romans 3:25). These men were "just men." Genesis 6:9 says, "Noah was a just
man and perfect in his generations." Yet, Hebrews 9:9 says they "offered . . . sacrifices, that could not make him that
did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." They still had a "conscience of sins" (Hebrews 10:2). Jesus
enabled the "spirits of just men [to be] made perfect" (Hebrews 12:23). This is why the "church of the first born" is
referred to as "the general assembly." Just as a state legislature is called this because both chambers are in session, the
church is called this because it is comprised of both the Old Testament and the New Testament brethren.
In Matthew 8:11 Jesus said that "many [of the New Testament brethren] . . . shall sit down with Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom." (Also, see Luke 13:28-29.) They are in the general assembly. Hebrews 11:40 teaches
us "that they without us should not be made perfect." This means that the new covenant had to be instituted to perfect
the Old Testament believers. That which has perfected and taken away the sins of people in the New Testament is what

perfected and took away the Old Testament brethren's sins as well. Thus, all the sins of the Old Testament brethren
were rolled up to Christ, to the morning time, and this is why "the first beast was like a lion" (Revelation 4:7). This
was the era in which the King appeared, and the lion is the "king of the beasts." The morning time was a time full of
victory. Revelation 6:2 says, "He went forth conquering, and to conquer." In this era, truth became militant, a predator,
as a lion. Christ devoured the Old Testament brethren's sins and imperfections and brought them right into the morning
time of this Gospel Day. So, in this sense, they are a part of this first "living creature." All things both old and new are
met together in Jesus Christ. The focal point of all history is Jesus Christ and His atoning work. The answer to the
question "Where are the Old Testament brethren?" is, they were brought in, just as we are, by Jesus Christ.
What Do the "Four Living Creatures" Portray?
Keep in mind the context of this passage of Scripture that we are viewing–the new covenant and what it produces.
The setting is essentially the New Testament. Christ is using the old as imagery to convey the new. Now what do these
"four beasts" (Revelation 4:6-9) or living creatures portray? We have found they are the antitype of the entirety of
old Israel, so they are the entirety of new Israel. In order to picture the entirety of the new Israel, you must incorporate
the entire Gospel Day. They picture the redeemed of all ages in this Gospel Day. Four creatures are viewed because,
as earlier stated (Revelation 1:4), the Christian era is broken down into four major epochs, with these emblems
symbolizing the nature that was predominant in each epoch of time. Revelation 4:7 says, "And the first beast [the
Greek says 'living creature'] was like a lion." As previously mentioned, this represents the morning-time church, a
conquering, militant era. Proverbs 28:1 says, "The righteous are bold as a lion."
The "second beast" was like a "calf" (Revelation 4:7). This "calf," or Ezekiel 1:10 says "ox," was an animal
of sacrifice. In Leviticus 9:2 Moses told Aaron, "Take thee a young calf for a sin offering." Verse 4 tells us why: "to
sacrifice before the Lord." Numbers 7:88 says, "And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings . . . ." So this
"calf," or ox, portrays that era when, because of sin, God's people were sacrificed. A time when Revelation 12:11 says,
"They loved not their lives unto the death" and also when "the woman [was] drunken with the blood of the saints, and
with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" (Revelation 17:6). This was the period of time when the blood of the saints was
poured out, that period of fierce persecution under pagan Rome and that which led to and included the Dark Ages.
Next, we read in Revelation 4:7 that "the third beast had a face as a man [this was the time in the Gospel Day
when the saints were under man rule, human domination, and bondage that included both the papal and the Protestant
eras and the dark and cloudy day (Ezekiel 34:12)], and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle." The eagle is the
only creature that can look straight into the sun. This portrays a movement back toward light. This is a move toward
the bright evening light (Zechariah 14:7). This also has been a trait of the redeemed in all ages. One cannot be firmly
definitive in establishing the assumptions of the natures or characteristics the saints assumed as many of them are
overlapping in their time of operation.
The Apostle Paul penned in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, "Let us watch and be sober." John, as a part of the redeemed,
cried in Revelation 22:20, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." How can the redeemed be ready when He comes? Revelation
4:8 says, "They were full of eyes within." This merely means the redeemed follow the Apostle's injunction in 2
Corinthians 13:5, which states, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." The redeemed
do not have their eyes on their brothers, but their "eyes" are turned "within" to constantly maintain their own spiritual
experience.
Seraphims and Cherubims
Let us look a little further at these "four living creatures" of Revelation 4:7. Revelation 4:8 declares that they
"had each of them six wings." To see why John used this description to portray the redeemed, let us look at another
picture where these six-winged creatures are portrayed. Isaiah saw them in Isaiah 6:2. He said, "Above it stood the
seraphims: each one had six wings . . . ." The Hebrew word for seraphims is saraph, which means "burning" from the
root "to set on fire." Now, what is the significance of the "wings"? Let us look at what they did. Isaiah 6:2 continues,
". . . with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly." This is a type of
the saints, those who are truly burning, on fire, who guard what they see and what they view. They guard their minds.
This is why Isaiah said "he covered his face."

The saints are careful in their walk. They are careful to "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7), and to "walk in the Spirit"
(Galatians 5:25). This is why "he covered his feet." The end of Isaiah 6:2 says, ". . . with twain he did fly." This kept
him above the world, pure and undefiled, "unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). So here we find a picture of the
redeemed, holy in their thoughts, holy in their walk, and holy in their victory over this world. This is why they could
cry in Isaiah 6:3, as well as in Revelation 4:8, "Holy, holy, holy." Why? Because their holiness was threefold: they
had victory within (face), victory without (feet), and victory over others ("he did fly"). John used these descriptions
in Revelation 4:7-8 to give the antitype, or reality, of what was portrayed, in more detail, in these animal descriptions
of the Old Testament.
Note Ezekiel 1:6 and 8. These creatures were described as this: "every one had four wings. . . . And they had the
hands of a man." In Revelation 4:8 they "had each of them six wings." While this may seem contradictory, the facial
descriptions, and many other points, let us know that we are speaking of the same entities. So the differences in the
number of wings must be for a distinct reason. Ezekiel's vision emphasized the human element. Ezekiel 1:5 says that
"this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man." Ezekiel wanted to establish that they were a people. In
Revelation, John showed them as having "wings." He wanted to establish that these were a product of the new
covenant and that this was not of the natural but of the divine.
Ezekiel 10:15 is rendered, "And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of
Chebar." Here the "living creatures" are identified as "cherubims." The Hebrew word from which "cherubims" comes
from is chaoth, which means "the living ones." It comes from a root word, which means "a brillant appearance."
Ezekiel used cherubims to portray the redeemed. The "cherubims" are entrusted "to keep the way of the tree of life"
in Genesis 3:24; and in conjunction with the "cherubims" Genesis 3:24 speaks of is a "flaming sword." Jesus is the way
(John 14:6), and He is the "tree of life." Proverbs 3:13 and 18 say: "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom . . . She is
a tree of life . . . ." Now, who is wisdom? First Corinthians 1:24 says that "Christ [is] the power of God, and the wisdom
of God." So Christ is the "tree of life," and it is the saints who work in concert with the flaming sword. Contrary to
common assumption, this verse does not say the sword was in their hands. Actually, the Hebrew text reads, "the flame
of the sword turning itself." This teaches us the sword may operate in conjunction with the redeemed, but that it is still
under divine control, not in the hands of men.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the "twoedged sword" represents the Word of God. Just as the "cherubims" were "to
keep the way of the tree of life," so are we, as saints, to work in conjunction with the Word of God, to show mankind
that there is a way, and that they can have life. However, they must come by the sword, and there are some things they
must be willing to keep. Cherubims are pictured as God's manner of conveyance. Psalm 18:10 says, "And he rode upon
a cherub, and did fly." Second Corinthians 6:16 tells us that "God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Thus, the saints are God's manner of conveyance to a lost and
dying world. There are many places He would like to go, but it is up to you and me to take Him there.
In the old tabernacle, God was pictured as fellowshipping with the people "from between the two cherubims"
(Exodus 25:22). This is a picture, in type, of God dwelling and fellowshipping in the midst of His people. The
seraphims, cherubims, and living creatures are all a picture of the people of God, the redeemed. Exodus 25:20 states,
"Toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be." In all ages, God's people have looked toward Jesus Christ,
the One through which God is able to fellowship man by manifesting His mercy, "the author and finisher of our faith"
(Hebrews 12:2).
Revelation 4:9-10 says: "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the
throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne,
and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne . . . ." When a true man
of God sees his people praising God and living victorious lives, he is able to bring those people before God and "do
it with joy, and not with grief" (Hebrews 13:17). We must remember that these "crowns" are symbolic. They were
on the brow of "the four and twenty elders" (the ministry). This symbolizes something always on their minds. What
is always on a true pastor's mind? His people. Thus, "crowns" represent the people, the congregations. In Philippians
4:1 Paul wrote to "my brethren dearly beloved . . . my . . . crown." In 1 Thessalonians 2:19 he asked, "For what is our
. . . crown . . . ? Are not even ye . . . ?" These "crowns" are a people. The symbol of the "elders" casting "their
crowns before the throne" is nothing more than a portrayal of prayer, the ministry bringing their people before the
throne of grace.

Lastly, Revelation 4:11 says, ". . . for thou hast [past tense] created all things, and for thy pleasure they are
[present tense] and were created." Why did he employ the present tense "they are . . . created"? What is He still
creating? Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [the Greek says
'creation']." The message is still being heralded by the elders, and the Spirit is applying it to men's hearts. All who
receive it are new creations, created for God's pleasure that He might have the pleasure of fellowshipping those who
have been made "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). No doubt there are many other truths incorporated within
this chapter, and many other practical applications could be given, but I have attempted to create as strict a contextual
view of this chapter as possible. In this chapter, we have seen a vision of the Designer of the covenant, we have viewed
the covenant itself, and we have seen the agents of the covenant, those who have produced it in all ages.

CHAPTER FIVE
An Introduction to the Seals Series:

Preparation for Understanding
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on
the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose
the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to
look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look
thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of
David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders,
stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God
sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the
Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:
for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the
elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and
wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the
sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that
liveth for ever and ever.
"A Roll of a Book"
This chapter portrays an introductory portion to the series of the seven seals. The veil of eternity is rolled back,
and here, in figures, is a vision of eternity past. We know this because in Revelation 5:6 the predominant character
is "a Lamb as it had been slain." The Apostle Peter taught in 1 Peter 1:20, "Who verily was foreordained before the
foundation of the world . . . ." First Peter 1:19 reveals that he was speaking of "Christ, as of a lamb [However, at this
time, none of the seals were loosed, and there "stood a Lamb," according to Revelation 5:6, "in the midst of the
throne." This predates Christ's incarnation. So in figures, or symbolic expressions, we are looking at eternity past.]
without blemish and without spot." This Scripture text contains a glimpse of eternity past and of a plan being
formulated in the counsel halls of eternity. This "book" referred to in Revelation 5:1 does not, in and of itself,
represent the plan of salvation, but rather the entire scene is a portrayal of the elements and the implementation of this
plan of salvation and how it was brought to this time world and the destiny of the church it would produce. This
"book" is much more inclusive than some may view it.
In verse 1 John penned, "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and
on the backside, sealed with seven seals." We have already discovered who the "one" that "sat on the throne" is
(Revelation 4:2). It represents God (Revelation 20:11-12). Let us consider this "book" mentioned in verse 1. In the

Greek manuscript this was rendered as "scroll," or "roll." There is a valid reason for this. In the ancient world, down
to the second century A.D., the form of literary work was the roll, not the book. Again, this was an allusion back to
the old economy, with which a Hebrew would be familiar.
Ezekiel 2:9-10 reads: "And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;
And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and
mourning, and woe." Ezekiel viewed the same scene that John saw. Ezekiel called it "a roll of a book" (Ezekiel 2:9).
Let us biblically establish the identity of this "roll of a book." In Ezekiel 3:1 he was commanded, "Son of man, eat that
thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel." The Prophet was instructed to eat this roll and go
speak. This indicates that the roll must contain a quality that gives man something to speak.
Let us read on in Ezekiel 3:2 and 4: "So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll . . . . get thee unto
the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them." When he said in Ezekiel 3:2, "I opened my mouth," what was
it that he was taking hold of? What was it that he was putting into his mouth? It was that which God called "my words"
(Ezekiel 3:4). Isaiah's prophecy confirms this. In Isaiah 59:21 God said, ". . . my words which I have put in thy mouth,
shall not depart out of thy mouth . . . ." Speaking to Jeremiah, God said, "Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth"
(Jeremiah 1:9). The same vision that Ezekiel received concerning the eating of the roll, John received as well, in
Revelation 10:8-11. In Revelation 10:9 and 11 he penned: "Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and
eat it up . . . . he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again . . . ." John was given something that would enable him to
"prophesy again." He was given the same thing that Ezekiel was given–God's Word.
Look at what Ezekiel 2:10 says this roll contains: ". . . there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and
woe." Someone may say, "Do you believe that this portrays God's Word?" The Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16-18:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ . . . . For therein [in the Gospel] is the righteousness of God revealed
. . . . [Also] the wrath of God is revealed . . . ." The Gospel, or God's Word, contains both "the righteousness of God"
and "the wrath of God."
In the past there were those who held that this "book . . . sealed with seven seals" (Revelation 5:1) was the plan
of salvation. If indeed it were salvation, is salvation in seven parts? If complete understanding did not come until the
seventh seal, what position were those ones in who were saved in previous eras? Revelation, Chapter 4, shows that God
was faithful to people in every period of the Gospel Day. No matter how spiritually dark the time, they had a clear
message on salvation, even though it may not have been generally a public message.
To understand what this "book" represents, we need to see what it is we are getting an understanding of.
Revelation 10:7 says that "the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
Matthew 26:56 tells us what God declared to the prophets. It says, "But all this was done, that the scriptures of the
prophets might be fulfilled." The Apostle Paul let us know what was "declared to his servants the prophets" (Revelation
10:7). Romans 1:1-2 says: "Paul . . . separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets
in the holy scriptures.)" God declared His Word unto the prophets, and those words were set in writing and became
Scriptures. That is what God's people are gaining understanding of.
A Sealed Book
To further understand this "book," let us look at what the "seven seals" represented. The word "seals" in this
text is the Greek word sphragis, and it portrays the idea of "security and postponement of disclosure until a destination
is reached." In other words, the seal kept the contents secure from those who were not to receive it. It also gave
admission to those who were destined to receive the contents. What do the "seals" symbolize? Paul penned in
Ephesians 1:13, "Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Here it is plain that the "seals" are the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30 also substantiates the fact that the Holy Spirit is the seal because there the Apostle Paul recorded, "And
grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." It is the Holy Spirit who is
entrusted with truth, and He withholds it securely from some and reveals it to others. Jesus said in John 16:13-14:
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth . . . for he shall receive of mine, and shall
shew it unto you." The Holy Spirit, as Christ's Divine Agent, is the One who unseals the truth to God's people. In
Ephesians 1:17-18 we find that it is through "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes
of your understanding being enlightened . . . ."

Ephesians 3:5 states, "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto
his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." What the Spirit reveals is given to the Apostles and Prophets. Romans
1:2 tells us it is "in the holy scriptures." Revelation, Chapters 4 and 5, take us into eternity past, unveiling the plan of
God, the new covenant, its institution, and its agents. Chapter 5 begins by mentioning a "sealed" "book." Jesus had
to prevail to unloose the "seven seals thereof" in verse 5 because the "seals" are the Spirit. Until the "Lamb" was
"slain," the Spirit of God could not be loosed, and until He was loosed, men could not see spiritual realities or gain
understanding.
Let us look at some prophecies concerning this sealed "book." Isaiah penned in Isaiah 29:11, "And the vision of
all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed . . . ." This "book that is sealed" is the vision of all. Then
Isaiah gave a prophecy. In verse 18 he said, "And in that day . . . " This is a prophetic phrase. The antecedent of the
pronoun "that," in this and many other verses in Isaiah's writings, is found in Isaiah 2:2, which mentions "the last days,"
speaking of our day. Isaiah 2:2 says, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD 'S house
shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."
Biblically, what period of time does this refer to?
First Peter 1:19-20 says: "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." In A.D.
63-65, when this epistle was penned, Peter considered himself in "these last times [present tense]." Hebrews 1:1-2 says:
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last
days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." This
lets us know that Jesus ushered in the last days.
Again, Isaiah 29:18 says, "And in that day [the Gospel Day] shall the deaf hear the words of the book [here are
words the deaf can hear], and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness." What kind of Word
is this that the deaf can hear and the blind can see? Isaiah 29:24 tells us, "They also that erred in spirit shall come to
understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." This is, as Isaiah 29:11 says, "the vision of all [or] . . .
a book that is sealed." It is doctrine. Now, biblically what is doctrine? Second Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture . . .
is doctrine." Doctrine is all Scripture. So the "book that is sealed" (Isaiah 29:11) is all Scripture or the Word of God.
Let us look at another prophecy. Daniel was told in Daniel 12:4, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal
the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." We are now in that
"time of the end." The Gospel Day is, scripturally speaking, that "time of the end," or the end of the world. The Hebrew
epistle substantiates this in Hebrews 9:26, saying, ". . . but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put
away sin by the sacrifice of himself." Since Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for sins in A.D. 33, biblically this is
when the end of the world commenced. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:11, "Now all these things happened unto them
[the Old Testament brethren–1 Corinthians 10:1-10] for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon
whom the ends of the world are [present tense] come." This New Testament dispensation is the last dispensation in
human history.
The Book Represents All Scripture
"The time of the end" (Daniel 12:4 and 9) is this Gospel Day. It is in this day when "many shall run" (Daniel 12:4).
First Corinthians 9:26 declares, "I therefore so run . . . ." First Corinthians 9:24 speaks of us as "they which run in a
race." Paul wrote of those who "did run well" in Galatians 5:7, and the Hebrew writer enjoined us to "run with patience
the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). So, the prophecy definitely has reference to our day, the Gospel Day,
and in our day "knowledge shall be increased" (Daniel 12:4). To understand this, read Daniel 12:9, which says, "Go
thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." Then Daniel 12:10 says, "Many shall
be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but
the wise shall understand."
Knowledge will be increased because the wise shall understand. This was not so when the words were closed up
and sealed "till the time of the end" (Daniel 12:9). Yet now, we are no longer in that time when they are "sealed." Now
"the Lion of the tribe of Judah . . . hath prevailed to open the book" (Revelation 5:5). This "book" was closed
under the Old Testament dispensation. Men were natural men. They could not understand spiritual realities. They could
not understand God's Word. But by the "Lamb" being "slain" (Revelation 5:6)–a picture of Jesus Christ (John 1:29

and 1 Peter 1:18-19)–the Spirit has been loosed, and He can abide in our hearts. He can give us an understanding and
knowledge of the precious truths of God's eternal Word.
To confirm that the "seals" represent the Spirit, look at Revelation 5:6. It states, ". . . in the midst of the throne
. . . stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
forth into all the earth." Here the "seven eyes" are the "seven Spirits of God." It is only through the Spirit that one
can see spiritually. Christ is the One who loosed the "seven seals"; He is the One who loosed the Spirit of God that
causes us to gain understanding. In John 16:7 Jesus said, ". . . for if I go not away, the Comforter [John 14:26 tells us
the Comforter is the Holy Ghost] will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Jesus promised,
"I will send the Comforter unto you." In a symbolic picture in Revelation 8:5, Christ performed the sacred role of the
high priest. When "the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth," it was a
portrayal of Christ sending the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost. This proves that it was Christ who loosed the Holy
Spirit, who made Him available to mankind. When Revelation 5:1 speaks of a "book," that "book" represents all
Scripture–the Word of God–and the "seven seals" are a picture of the "seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of
God" (Revelation 5:6).
Let us look a little closer at this "book written within and on the backside" (Revelation 5:1). Ezekiel said this
as well, in Ezekiel 2:10, which reads, ". . . it was written within and without . . . ." The significance is that it was
written on two sides of the parchment. The two sides portray the same thing as the "twoedged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).
The Word of God is composed of two parts or two covenants–the old covenant, which is the Old Testament, and the
new covenant, which is the New Testament.
Why was the "book" sealed with "seven seals?" For the same reason there are "seven Spirits of God"
(Revelation 5:6). This represents the complete giving of understanding as it came in portions down throughout the
Gospel Day. Revelation 5:2 states, "And I saw a strong angel [Because the 'Lamb' was 'slain,' we may have the
Spirit of God. Yet, if people are ever going to catch a vision of truth as John did, there must be a strong ministry. The
Greek word for "strong" is ischuros, which means "mighty." This was a mighty angel. This is the same Greek word
that was used in Revelation 10:1 and Revelation 18:21, and in each case it portrayed the evening-time ministry.]
proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" The reply is in
verse 3: "And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look
thereon [the Greek says 'to see it']."
The key here is the words "no man." This lets us know that human efforts are fruitless. This book is divine. It
came from "the right hand of him that sat on the throne" (Revelation 5:1). Man cannot prevail to do what only
the divine can do. In John 7:46 the officers cried, "Never man spake like this man." Matthew 7:28-29 says: "And it
came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as
one having authority, and not as the scribes."
No Man Was Worthy to Open the Book
So, we find that "no man in heaven [even in the divine realm], nor in earth [the human realm, the living], neither
under the earth [no man who was dead], was able to open the book [or see the truth], neither to look thereon"
(Revelation 5:3). Man was devoid of salvation, devoid of the Spirit of grace, and no other man in the same condition
could bring the remedy, could make truth available to mankind. When John saw this scene, he said in Revelation 5:4,
"And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon [the
Greek says 'to see it']." John said that no man was found worthy, and here we gain insight to why no man was able.
Revelation 5:2 asks, "Who is worthy?" Man's worthiness is based on his moral worth. Concerning mankind, Isaiah
53:6 states, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on
him the iniquity of us all." No man has that moral worth.
Romans 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned." This is why John "wept much." He realized man's utter
unworthiness, morally and spiritually. Revelation 5:5 says, "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold
[God's ministry has a message for those who are bereft of comfort, to those who see no hope; they can point mankind
to], the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David [who], hath prevailed . . . ." Jesus was the One who had the
moral worth. Second Corinthians 5:21, speaking of Christ, says, "who knew no sin," and according to Hebrews 4:15,
He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Who is the One who "hath prevailed to open the book,

and to loose the seven seals thereof"? He is "the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David" (Revelation 5:5).
Revelation 22:16 tells us who this is. It says, "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David . . . ." So, these figures, in Revelation 5:5, are nothing more than
representations of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 5:1-5 is a portrayal of John longing for the things of God. John had been privy to many intimate
moments with Christ and had received a great deal of truth from Him firsthand. Here he was confronted with a closed,
"sealed" "book"; nothing can be more trying to one who desires truth in the inward parts. The scene was compounded
by "no man [being] . . . able to open the book" (Revelation 5:3). However, the beauty of the scene is that God
prepared it. He designed it that way to portray the bleak condition of mankind, how man is totally unable to grasp or
receive truth without divine intervention. Then, once this startling, yet disheartening, truth strikes home, He rolled back
the curtain to reveal the masterpiece of His plan–Jesus Christ–who not only can but has prevailed. He is the "one
mediator between God and men" (1 Timothy 2:5), and through His work (portrayed in Revelation 5:6), He has also
enabled "all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
In this vision John went from a dismal scene–mankind devoid of understanding–to one of triumphant glory–man
being able to receive glorious revelations of truth from God's Word. Mankind went from being devoid of the Spirit of
God to having Him "teach you all things" (John 14:26). A Conqueror appeared, a Lion came on the scene, and the
course of human history was forever altered. Man can now have God's Word, and through the Spirit be able to
understand the truth.
There is a prophetic aspect to these "seals." In the loosing of these "seals" (gaining understanding throughout the
Gospel Day), there are prophetic truths. There is much opposition to the church. This is all contained in the Word of
God. The Scriptures contain what we need to have understanding of, and the Spirit's guidance is to provide insight and
direction, whether individually or collectively. Much of what we see, as each seal is loosed, is a prophetic picture, but
bear in mind that where people in any age gained understanding, it was based on the Word of God and on the Spirit
of God.
In Revelation 5:6 the central figure of the "throne" scene is introduced in a very vivid figure. Revelation 5:6
states, "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts [the Greek says 'living creatures'],
and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain . . . ." Here, portrayed explicitly, is the truth that
everything is centered around the Lamb. Indeed He is the central figure in this scene, for if the "Lamb" had not been
"slain," there would be no need of the elders to herald it, and there would be no living creatures to enjoy it. It was His
atoning work that enabled the Spirit of God to be made available and to be sent forth.
Horns Denote Power
Let us look a little closer at this "Lamb as it had been slain." The idea of Christ as the Lamb is one of the great
characteristic ideas of the Revelation. In the Revelation Jesus Christ is called the Lamb no fewer than twenty-nine
times. The writer of the Revelation wished to underline a point from the Greek that shows that this was a new concept.
The Greek word that the Apostle John used for "Lamb" is not used of Jesus anywhere else in the New Testament. In
other places in the New Testament where Jesus is spoken of as a Lamb (John 1:29, 36 and 1 Peter 1:19), the Greek
word is amnos, whereas the word that John used here is arnion. Arnion is the word used in Jeremiah 11:19, which says,
". . . but I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter." The distinction is this: amnos points directly to
the fact of Christ's sacrifice, whereas arnion shows that it was wrought. Arnion not only shows the grisly mutilation
of the slaughter but the victory, power, and work that were wrought by it. In this scene the "Lamb" still bears the
marks of having been slain. These serve as eternal reminders of the supreme price that has been paid.
Revelation 5:6 describes the "Lamb" as "having seven horns." What do the "horns" symbolize? Zacharias
prophesied of it in Luke 1:69, when he cried, "And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant
David." The term horn denotes power. In Old Testament imagery a horn signifies sheer power. In Moses' final words
to Israel (Deuteronomy 33:17), he said, ". . . his horns [of Joseph] are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall
push the people together to the ends of the earth . . . ." Joseph is a type of Christ. Ephesians 1:10 declares, ". . . he might
gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him." First Kings
22:11 says, "And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD , With these

shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them." The wicked are admonished in Psalm 75:4 to "lift not
up the horn."
The horn is also portrayed, in imagery, in Daniel 8:3-7. Here, concerning the ram and the he goat, the Scriptures
employ these horns to draw from the literal manner in which these creatures do battle, face opposition, and subdue their
opponent. So it is with Christ. He came with "seven horns" (Revelation 5:6), which denote complete, omnipotent
power. Jesus cried in Matthew 28:18, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." When the "Lamb as it had
been slain" (Revelation 5:6) instituted salvation, He came prepared to do battle. In Revelation 12:1 the morning
church is portrayed in her pristine glory. In verse 3 there appeared an opposing force (Revelation 12:3).
Further on, Revelation 12:7 states that "there was war in heaven." When Jesus came to institute salvation, He said,
"Think not that I am come to send peace . . . but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). He came prepared to do battle. He is "the
captain of their salvation" (Hebrews 2:10). There would be no need of a captain if there were no warfare; there would
be no need of power if there were no opposing force. So, part of the significance of these "seven horns" is that "it is
the power of God" (Romans 1:16).
To understand where the power is vested we need to see where these "seven horns" were located. Revelation 5:6
speaks of a "Lamb having seven horns." The "horns" were part of the "Lamb," and the "Lamb" represents Christ.
We read in John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word . . . ." John 1:14 states, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt
among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:17
tells us, ". . . but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
Who is the Word (John 1:14)? John 1:17 tells us that it is "Jesus Christ." To carry salvation victoriously through
the Gospel Day in the face of all opposing forces requires the power of the Word. It is the Word that enables God's
people to face every foe victoriously. It is His Word that "for ever . . . is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89). It is His
Word that "is a lamp unto my feet [it lets us know where we are], and a light unto my path [it gives understanding of
where the way we are following will lead us]" (Psalms 119:105). It is His Word that is omnipotent. "The word of the
Lord endureth for ever" (1 Peter 1:25).
Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." His power
is vested in His Word. The Apostle Paul taught that "the gospel of Christ . . . is the power of God unto salvation"
(Romans 1:16). There are "seven horns" and seven periods. The "horns" represent the power of the Word that the
"Lamb" has employed to do battle, face opposition, and subdue hostile forces in order to bring salvation and maintain
it in every period. Luke 1:69 refers to "the horn of salvation." These "horns" also represent salvation and what it takes
to obtain and maintain it in the seven periods of the Gospel Day. Here, in a figure, is one of the two vital agents that
must be utilized to have victory in any period of time–the Word of God.
Spiritual Eyes Needed to Truly See
Revelation 5:6 next mentions "seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God." We can see this picture in
prophecy in Zechariah 3:9, which says, "Upon one stone shall be seven eyes." Who was this stone? Peter told us, in
1 Peter 2:4, that Christ was "a living stone," and 1 Peter 2:6 says that He is the "chief corner stone." Ephesians 2:20
confirms who this is: "Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." These "seven Spirits" were dealt with in
Revelation 1:4. However, here in Revelation 5:6 they are mentioned to show the other necessary agent to have victory
in this Gospel Day. The "seven Spirits" are likened as "seven eyes [an omnipotent 'Lamb'] and seven horns
[denoting complete, perfect, unequaled, or unexcelled, omnipotent power]." No matter how mighty the warrior, how
omnipotent the "horns," or the weapon, without "eyes"–without knowing where the foe is, or what type of foe it
is–the mightiest warrior with the most powerful weapon is useless. So is one who has only the Word at his disposal.
Consider the mighty Samson. When he lost the Spirit of God, he lost his sight, and when he lost his sight, that
mighty warrior was useless and was easily led away captive (Judges 16:20-21). We must have the Holy Spirit as well
as the Word. The New Testament is "not of the letter, but of the spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:6). The Holy Spirit is our
spiritual eyes. It is through Him that we know not only what is lawful but what is expedient as well. We must be
reminded that the Word of God is the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Only He knows how to properly
administer it. No doubt entire volumes could be penned on this point of truth, but suffice it to say that these "seven
Spirits of God" are brought forth here to complement the Word of God working throughout the seven periods of this
Gospel Day.

Prayer Brings and Looses Understanding
In verse 6 we see, centermost, the One who made it all possible: "a Lamb as it had been slain" (Revelation
5:6)–Jesus Christ. Those charged to convey this blessed event to mankind, "the four and twenty elders" (Revelation
4:10), are the ministry. Those who had been glad recipients of the vicarious work of the "slain" "Lamb,"–"the four
beasts [or the Greek says 'living creatures']"–are the saints. The divine agents enabling this to continually be a reality
throughout the Gospel Day are the Word and Spirit. The "book" and the "seals," the Word and the Spirit, were
brought down from the unreachable corridors of Heaven to the grasp of man by Jesus Christ.
After Christ "had been slain" (Revelation 5:6), then "he came and took the book out of the right hand of him
that sat upon the throne" (Revelation 5:7). It was not until after the sacrifice was made and the price was paid that
Jesus took the "book." Prior to this time He uttered such statements as that found in John 3:12, which says, "If I have
told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" and "What I do thou
knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). Also, Jesus said in John 16:12, "I have yet many things
to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." Understanding could not be loosed until after the supreme price was
paid and He had been "slain."
Notice, in Revelation 5:7 John wrote the words "he came." After Christ was slain, where did He come from? Acts
1:9 and 11 say he was "taken up . . . . into heaven." Jesus said in John 16:28, "I leave the world, and go to the Father."
So when our Scripture (verse 7) says, "And he came [a picture of His ascension] and took the book out of the right
hand of him," whom did He take the "book" from? John 16:28 tells us that it is "the Father." Revelation 5:8 states,
"And when he had taken the book [after His ascension], the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down
before the Lamb [they fell down because they had], . . . golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of
saints." Psalm 141:2 shows this as well. This portrays that prayer was taking place prior to any of the seals being
opened.
Prayer is what brings and looses understanding. When Christ had ascended back to Heaven but had not yet loosed
the seals, what were the saints doing? "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" (Acts 1:14).
Bear in mind that here in Revelation 5:8 there had not been any seals loosed. This did not begin until Revelation 6:1.
So, here we are viewing where the eternal realm and the human realm meet. They meet through the avenue of prayer.
Redemption's price had been paid, but understanding had not yet been given. They were still very literalistic in their
views. They asked in Acts 1:6, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" They had been
instructed to "wait for the promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4). They accordingly waited, and as they waited, they "fell
down before the Lamb" (Revelation 5:8) and "continued . . . in prayer" (Acts 1:14). As they did this, something took
place.
Revelation 5:9 tells us that "they sung a new song." Acts 2:4 tells us how: "And they were all filled with the
Holy Ghost." It is still through the office of prayer that the eternal realm and human realm meet. It is still through this
avenue that eternal realities become human realities, that man is put in a position to be ready to receive divine truth
and understanding. Revelation 5:9-10 shows a people in a condition for understanding to be given and portrays what
that spiritual condition is.
A Song of Deliverance
Again, Revelation 5:9 declares, "They sung a new song . . . ." This denotes a new experience, an experience with
real victory. It was something they had not had previously. The Psalmist employed the same phrase in Psalm 40:3,
which says, "And he hath put a new song in my mouth [what is it?], even praise unto our God: many shall see it . . . ."
Here is a song people see rather than hear. What is this verse actually saying? Look at the preceding verse. Psalm 40:2
tells us, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock . . . ." This is
a clear expression of what happens in salvation. It is a portrayal of victory.
Why is it described as a "new song?" Because we are "new creatures" (2 Corinthians 5:17); we "have put on the
new man" (Colossians 3:10); and we "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). Therefore, it is only fitting that we have
a "new song." What does this "song" consist of? Psalm 40:3 tells us, ". . . even praise unto our God: many shall see
it . . . ." This is not a literal song that is sung, but rather a life that is now in tune with God. A life that 2 Peter 1:4
describes as having a "divine nature." It gives praise and glory unto God. Salvation brings a song of victory.

Revelation 5:9 continues, ". . . saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof [a
portrayal of Christ's position of preeminence]: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood . . . ."
This is a picture of our procurement of an experience of salvation. The "song" is more explicitly detailed in Revelation
15:3, where it is called "the song of Moses [a reference to Exodus, Chapter 15] the servant of God, and the song of the
Lamb."
In Revelation 5:9 the term rendered "redeemed" in the English is the Greek word exagarayo, which literally
means to "buy out of the market." It is a picture of how Christ took us off the auction block and out of the servitude
of sin. He took us out of the market and made us "free from sin . . . [to] become servants to God" (Romans 6:22). Once
these dear ones were "redeemed," Revelation 5:10 declares, "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth." I dealt with much the same phraseology in Revelation 1:6. Our redemption through
Jesus Christ places us in a position where we can "reign in [this] life by one, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:17).
Look at Revelation 5:11-14. In these verses a Heaven-and-earth union takes place in Jesus Christ. Verse 11 speaks
of "the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders." In this verse the word
"angels" refers to celestial, angelic beings. We know this because the ministry in this text is identified by another
symbol–"the elders." This is portraying just what was shown on Pentecost, what was shown through Christ's
incarnation and through our experience of salvation: Heaven and earth are met together in Jesus Christ.
Let us look at a few examples. When the seventy weeks prophecy was given to Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27), who
brought it to him? Daniel 9:21 says that it was "Gabriel." When it came time for the annunciation to Mary, who
appeared on the scene again? Luke 1:26 says that it was "the angel Gabriel." Who spoke to Joseph in a dream? Matthew
1:20 states, "The angel of the Lord appeared unto him." Who appeared unto the shepherds at the time of Christ's
advent? Luke 2:9 tells us it was "the angel of the Lord." Who appeared on that night when Heaven and earth became
united in that One of whom Isaiah 9:6 spoke, saying that "a child is born"? Hebrews 1:6 says it was "all the angels of
God." Who appeared after the Ascension and encouraged the followers to quit gazing skyward and remember matters
at hand? Acts 1:10 states, ". . . two men stood by them in white apparel [angels]." Who appeared to bring about the
Gentiles' pentecost? In Acts 10:3 Cornelius was visited by "an angel of God."
I trust that you can begin to see why it was fitting in Revelation 5:11 for the "angels" to join in with the eternal
chorus of Revelation 5:12, saying, "Worthy is the Lamb . . . ." Though the angels cannot truly comprehend salvation,
it is referred to as "things the angels desire to look into" (1 Peter 1:12). Angels were there at the Incarnation (Luke 2:9-
15); an angel was there in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43); an angel was there at the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-7); and
there were angels at the Ascension (Acts 1:9-11). Although the angels do not understand salvation, one thing that they
do understand is, "Worthy is the Lamb." They beheld all that Christ went through for mankind, and all of that
enhanced His worth in their sight.
An Innumerable Throng
The scene in Revelation 5:11 portrays the entire scope of the ages. The four beasts, which literally mean the "four
living creatures," is a picture of the redeemed of all ages. So this expression "and the number of them was ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" is not meant to be any literal numerical reckoning. The
actual Greek text says "myriads of myriads." This expression is designed to convey an innumerable number. A similar
gigantic expression is "millions and millions," or "billions and billions." In the Greek there is no word for million, so
the translator, attempting to strictly translate from the original, gave the literal rendition of the words. They made no
numerical expression literally. This verse is conveying a vision of the redeemed down throughout the entirety of the
Gospel Day. John merely gave them expression, as the Lord did in Genesis 15:5, when He said, ". . . tell the stars, if
thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be."
Genesis 22:17 says, "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of
the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies." Where
is the realization of these promises to Abraham found? Who is "thy seed"? Galatians 3:29 lets us know. It says, "And
if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The fulfillment of the promise to
Abraham is found in those who are Christ's. To understand who this is, look to see whom the Apostle was addressing
in the Galatian epistle. Galatians 1:2 states, ". . . unto the churches [the Greek says 'congregations'] of Galatia."
Congregations of what? Galatians 1:13 tells us it is "the church of God."

These who are as "the stars of the heaven" or as "the sand which is upon the sea shore" or, as our text denotes, "ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," portray the innumerable throng of the church as a
whole. In this picture was all the angelic host as well. The angels alone are "a multitude of heavenly host" (Luke 2:13).
In Luke 2:12-14 we see the universal harmony of every sphere, heavenly and earthly, focusing on the Executor of all,
the One who sits on the right hand of the throne, the One upon which all history turns and all salvation rests.
Thus, with a proper and lengthy introduction and a preparation of man's heart for understanding, we are now ready
to commence Revelation, Chapter 6, which begins with a conjunction in verse 1: "And." This begins the actual opening
of the seals. Man has been properly prepared. There has come the individual experience of salvation, and there has been
a vision of the collective body of the church. With these two occurrences, which took place on the Day of Pentecost,
mankind was ready for the Lamb to open the seals and let understanding come forth.

CHAPTER SIX
THE FIRST SEAL

(A.D. 33-270)
Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of
thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto
him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Seals Convey Understanding
As we begin Revelation, Chapter 6, keep in mind that the Book of Revelation is broken down into at least seven
series. Series 2 properly begins with Revelation, Chapter 6. Chapter 5 is basically an introductory chapter to the seals
series in Revelation, Chapter 6. Revelation 6:1 shows where the particular seals are beginning to be loosed, or opened.
Let us look at the expressions that are used in Revelation, Chapter 6, because they convey truth to us. First of all,
Revelation 6:1 says, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals . . . ." Every seal is for this time world.
They are not for the eternal realm, but every one of these seals was for a period of time.
Every one of these "seals" was "opened" while Christ was still a "Lamb," but when time reels into eternity, He
will no longer be a "Lamb." There will no longer be salvation from sin. There will no longer be redemption operative.
He will no longer be a "Lamb," but He will be our Judge. So every one of these "seals" was loosed while time was
still standing, from Revelation 6:1, where it says, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals . . ." all the
way down through to Revelation 8:1, which says, "And when he [the 'Lamb'] had opened the seventh seal . . . ." Every
one of these "seals" conveys understanding that God desires for you and me to have in this time world.
To rightly understand who the "Lamb" is, let us look at John 1:29. It says, "The next day John seeth Jesus coming
unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Jesus Christ is that "Lamb."
Revelation 6:1 says, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals . . . ." Now, we need to understand what
sealed up the understanding to where man could not readily grasp hold of it, or wrest it out by brute strength. What is
the seal? Ephesians 1:13 tells us what the seal is. The Apostle Paul wrote, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard
the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit
of promise." The seal is the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 says, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are
sealed . . . ."
Unless the "Lamb" looses the Holy Spirit and tells Him to reveal truth to you, you will never see it. Truth is not
something you can merely study or dig up. Truth is something that comes down. It is revealed through the agency of
the Holy Spirit at the direction of Jesus Christ. Unless the "Lamb" looses the Spirit of God to where He brings
understanding to your heart and mind, the Bible is a book of brass. Have you ever tried to study the Bible when the
Holy Ghost was not giving understanding? There is not a less interesting book than the Bible when the seal is not
loosed. However, when the seal is loosed, or when the "Lamb" tells the Holy Spirit to start showing you some things,
there is not a more thrilling book! There is not a book in man's world that can begin to compare to God's Word when
the seal is loosed off of it.
Let us look at why the plural word "seals" (Revelation 6:1) is used. If you go back to the previous chapter, you
will find that there are seven Spirits of God (Revelation 5:6). There are not seven Spirits of God, literally speaking,
because Ephesians 4:4 says, "There is one body, and one Spirit." The seven Spirits of God are nothing more than the
one Spirit of God working throughout the seven periods of time that make up this Gospel Day.
In John 16:12 Jesus told the disciples, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now."
Jesus, in His first advent, in no way exhausted the truth to the disciples. What He told them was only the tip of the
iceberg, so to speak. He had many things to tell them, but they were not in a position to hear them for they did not have
the seal, or the Holy Spirit to bring them understanding. Much of what Jesus did tell the disciples, they could not
comprehend. It was sealed up to them; they were not ready for it. Jesus continued in John 16:13-14: "Howbeit when

he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall
hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and
shall shew it unto you."
Let us come back to the first verse of our lesson. The "Lamb" opening "one of the seals" represents Christ
speaking and the Holy Spirit hearing what He is speaking. Then the Holy Spirit gives God's people understanding,
showing them the things of Christ. In essence, Christ said, "I have many things to tell you, but you are not in a position
to hear it right now." In every one of the periods down through the Gospel Day, when the time was right, Christ spoke
the word and dispatched the Holy Spirit to bring understanding to the hearts and minds of the people of that particular
age. Thus, the Spirit of God is the agency that God has chosen to bring spiritual understanding. Ephesians 1:17-18 says:
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in
the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened . . . ." Who enlightens our understanding?
It is the Spirit of "wisdom and revelation." He hears it at Christ's mouth, and then He conveys it to our hearts and to
our understanding.
As we begin to look into this lesson, first of all we need to realize that Christ had a victorious people throughout
every period of the Gospel Day, and He has a victorious people yet today. Conditions in many periods of time were
less than ideal. There were prevailing conditions throughout the dark and cloudy day that were certainly less than
favorable. Yet, in the midst of it all, God always had a people. He has always had a remnant that has stood true to Him.
Today, you and I live in the most glorious and enlightened age that history has ever known. In this seventh-seal age
God is bringing understanding that has been hidden since the world began. Today if people do not understand, too
many times it is because they choose to not understand. In Revelation 10:7 we read, "But in the days of the voice of
the seventh angel [the day and time in which you and I live], when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should
be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
The Voice of God Is Thunder
As we begin our study and consider these various portions of the Gospel Day, keep in mind that we are viewing
it from a position of light; we are viewing it from a day of enlightenment. Isaiah caught a glimpse of this day in Isaiah
30:26. He said, "Moreover the light of the moon [a figure of the Old Testament] shall be as the light of the sun [a figure
of the New Testament], and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD
bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound." We are now in this seventh seal, a time
of light, a time of the light of seven days. We are in the evening of time of which Zechariah prophesied. Zechariah 14:7
tells us, "But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD , not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that
at evening time it shall be light."
Spiritually, we are living in the most enlightened age that history has ever known. However, although we have the
greatest understanding of any age, we see less power. We are living in a time when that which is perfect, or complete,
has come. In 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 Paul said: "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [Paul did not understand
the darkness of Roman Catholicism, such as we do; he did not understand the cloudy day of sectism, such as we do.
Paul knew in part, and he prophesied what he knew, but he did not live in the fullness of time.] But when that which
is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." We live in that perfect time. The word perfect means
"complete." We are living in a time when the mystery is being completed. God is showing truth in its full beauty. He
is making it plain and clear.
The beginning of the series of seals is at the beginning of this Gospel Day, the era of time from A.D. 33 to A.D.
270. Revelation 6:1 says, "And I saw when the Lamb [Christ] opened [Revelation 5:5 speaks of it as 'to loose the
seven seals'] one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder . . . ." What does this "noise of thunder"
symbolize? Any time that Christ looses the Holy Spirit to open understanding to men and women, there is going to be
a "noise of thunder." In the Scripture "thunder" is the symbol of understanding or of hearing the voice of God.
Revelation 10:3-4 states: "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders
uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice
from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." If John had
not been given an explicit message–to seal it up, when these "thunders had uttered their voices"–they would have given

some understanding; they would have made some things clear. However, it was not the right time at that particular
point. Thus, John was told to seal that up for later. The "thunder" symbolizes the voice of God.
In Exodus, Chapter 19, the Israelites were approaching Mount Sinai when Moses was to go up in to the mount to
hear from God and get the commandments. Exodus 19:16-19 tells us: "And it came to pass on the third day in the
morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet
exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the
camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke,
because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole
mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake,
and God answered him by a voice." Notice when the thunder came on the scene in verse 16, it was not long until God
answered him by a voice (verse 19). The thunder represented the presence of God; it represented the voice of God and
understanding being given.
Job 37:4-5 lets us know what the "thunder" represents. It says: "After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the
voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard [the 'thunder' is God's voice]. God
thundereth marvellously with his voice . . . ." There is something about literal thunder that gets your attention, and there
is something about the voice of God that will get your attention too. When the Lamb decides to loose one of the seals
and the Holy Spirit begins to utter forth truth, it strikes your heart and mind like a thunderbolt. It will make you pay
attention.
"Thunder" is a representation of the voice of God. Second Samuel 22:14 states, "The LORD thundered from
heaven, and the most High uttered his voice." The thunder was His voice. Jesus plainly explained it in John 12:28-29,
which says: "Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will
glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered . . . ." What was it that they
heard? It was the voice of God.
The only way that Christians are going to see any spiritual truth at all is if Jesus Christ sees fit to open it up. It is
still a divine work. You can study until you are worn out, but the words of the wise man let us know that it does not
come that way. In Ecclesiastes 12:12 Solomon said, "And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many
books there is no end; [I am not against having some reference materials, but you cannot wrest a revelation of truth
from books or materials. It still comes through the seal–the Holy Spirit of God. Men who were illiterate, men who
could not read or write, were given a revelation of truth because it is spiritual truth. Acts 4:13 tells us that Peter and
John were perceived as unlearned and ignorant men.] and much study is a weariness of the flesh." However, it is not
a weariness when the Holy Ghost is pumping it in. When you are studying in the flesh, trying to sort it out, you will
get quite weary in the flesh. Truth does not come through that avenue.
Revelation 6:1 says that the "Lamb opened . . . the seals." It still takes Jesus Christ to see that it is the fitting
time to loose the seal, or the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit shows the things of Christ unto you, you will hear a
"noise of thunder." You will read a verse of Scripture, and it will be as if you never read it before in your life. You
might have read that verse many times, but the difference is, this time you heard the voice of thunder. Truth was
revealed, and it struck your soul.
Living Creatures
Revelation 6:1 continues, ". . . and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying,
Come and see." Let us look a little further at these four beasts. They were employed to convey the message to "come
and see." They are still the ones God wants to use to convey a message. The word "beast" in the actual Greek is the
word zoon. It does not mean a beast as we think of a beast. In the margin of many Bibles, it notes that the actual Greek
says "living creatures." These were not hideous beasts, as in Revelation 13:1 and in Revelation 13:11. In these verses
the word "beast" in the Greek is therion, which means "a wild beast." However, the "four beasts" found in Revelation,
Chapters 4, 5, and 6, are not actually beasts at all. They are living creatures. Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, and 7 use the Greek
word zoon for beasts.
Now, we need to understand what these four living creatures actually are. Revelation, Chapter 4, is the first place
these beasts are introduced. Revelation 4:6-8 says: "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:
and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts [the same Greek word zoon meaning 'living

creatures'] full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the
third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And those four beasts had each of them
six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord
God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."
Each of the Old Testament prophets caught a glimpse of what John saw in its entirety. Ezekiel caught a glimpse
of these living creatures in Ezekiel 1:4-10: "And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great
cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out
of the midst of the fire. Also, out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their
appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their
feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of
burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had faces and
their wings.
"Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four
had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle." These four living creatures are a picture
of the redeemed of all ages. Revelation, Chapter 4, calls them "four beasts" (Revelation 4:6), and Revelation 5:9 lets
us see what these four beasts were. It says, "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us."
Who is the "us" doing the addressing? Revelation 5:8 says, "And when he [speaking of the Lamb] had taken the
book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb [these four living creatures are the
redeemed], having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." If these
four living creatures had the four golden vials, which are the prayers of the saints, would it not stand to reason that they
would be the saints?
Verse 9 begins, "And they sung a new song." Who is it that sings a new song? In Psalm 40:1-3 we read: "I waited
patiently for the LORD ; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out
of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock [a picture of salvation], and established my goings. And he hath put a new
song in my mouth . . . ." That "new song" comes when one gets saved. These four living creatures who had a "new
song" were new creatures. That is why they were living creatures. They had new life.
Look again at Ezekiel 1:4-5. It says: "And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud,
and a fire infolding itself . . . out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures." This whirlwind that
came, this fire that came was nothing more than a prophetic expression of the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4 states: "And
when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a
sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind [there is the whirlwind Ezekiel spoke of] . . . And there appeared unto
them cloven tongues like as of fire [there is the fire that Ezekiel 1:4 says was infolding itself, that had a brightness
about it] . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost . . . ."
When the Holy Ghost moved into these people on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:8), they became new creatures in
Christ Jesus. They became part of the redeemed. Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us why they were called living
creatures: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature . . . ." The Hebrew letter ties the words new and
living together. Hebrews 10:20 says, "By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that
is to say, his flesh." Jesus brought in a new and living way. When you are a new creature, you are a living creature. You
are no longer spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1 says, "And you hath he quickened [which means
to be made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins."
The Revelation was given to John, who was a Hebrew, and it draws many Hebrew allusions to things with which
a Hebrew was familiar. The old literal Israelites were broken down into four major divisions. As they traveled during
the Exodus, the tabernacle was a collapsible affair. It was a tent that was pitched, and as they traveled, they put that
tent down whenever they stopped. Then Israel, which comprised twelve tribes, broke up into four major divisions of
three tribes each, and they pitched on the four sides of that tabernacle. Each one of those divisions had an insignia by
which they were known. Those four major divisions and the insignias that represented them stood as a symbol of all
of Israel. Those four insignias are the same symbols that Ezekiel and John, in the Revelation, used to portray the
redeemed. This shows us that just as those four major divisions represented all the people of God in that era, these four
living creatures represent all the New Testament Israel.

The Lion, the Calf, the Face of a Man, and the Eagle
Numbers 2:2-3 says: "Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their
father's house [each one of these four major divisions had a standard] . . . And on the east side toward the rising of the
sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch . . . ." There were three tribes that pitched there. The standard
of the tribe of Judah was a lion. Genesis 49:9 states, "Judah is a lion's whelp." Thus, the standard for the east side was
a lion. Numbers 2:10 tells us, "On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben." The standard for the
south side was the face of a man. Numbers 2:18 says, "On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim."
That was a symbol of a calf. Lastly, we read in Numbers 2:25, "The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north
by their armies." The standard of that camp was the eagle. So these four emblems were the lion, the man, the calf, and
the eagle–representing the entirety of old Israel.
Revelation 4:7 tells us, "And the first beast [living creature] was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and
the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle." These same four insignias represent
all the people of God in the New Testament dispensation. The Gospel Day can be broken down into four major epochs.
The lion represented the morning time, a time when the church "went forth conquering, and to conquer"
(Revelation 6:2). Just as the lion is the king of beasts, Jesus Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and He came in
this first epoch of time. Then the scene changed, and the next major scene was that of a calf. A calf was a sacrificial
animal. During the pagan persecutions and the dark days of apostasy and of the ensuing time, the Dark Ages of Roman
Catholicism, many of the saints took on a sacrificial nature and were martyred. During the Dark Ages alone, fifty to
sixty million people were martyred.
The next two epochs of time were during the dark and cloudy day. Through those periods of time, the face of a man
was shown because they were eras of time when man rule was prevailing. Needless to say, some of these characteristics
were overlapping and had application in more than one epoch. However, we have attempted to place them where they
were the predominant characteristics. In the fourth major epoch of this Gospel Day, the church has taken on the form
of an eagle. In the evening time it shall be light, and the eagle is the only animal that can fly right into the face of the
sun. It can soar above all of its enemies. Now is the evening time when God is taking His people higher, to a brighter
light, right into the sun. To be certain that these four living creatures are a picture of the redeemed, let us look at each
one a little further.
LION : Revelation 4:7 states, "And the first beast was like a lion." Is that a figurative expression? Proverbs 28:1
says, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." Here the saints, the righteous, are
likened to a lion. Go to Ephesians, and you will see that Paul was like a lion. He was very bold. Ephesians 6:19-20 tells
us: "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery
of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
The church in the morning time was as bold as a lion. They did not cower down, but they were strong. In Acts 4:29-
31 they prayed: "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may
speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy
child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." They were victorious, and they were bold.
CALF : Let us look at this thought of a calf, spoken of in Revelation 4:7, which says, ". . . and the second beast like
a calf . . . ." The calf is a symbolic expression of a sacrifice. It represents the days of pagan persecution as well as the
Dark Ages, an age when many saints sacrificed their lives. Jesus foretold of it in Matthew 24:9, saying, "Then shall
they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." When
Ezekiel saw the vision, he referred to the calf as an ox: "As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a
man, and the face of a lion, on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox . . ." (Ezekiel 1:10). Whether it is
called an ox or a calf, it portrays the same picture of a sacrificial animal.
Aaron was instructed in Leviticus 9:2: "Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering,
without blemish, and offer them before the LORD ." Numbers 7:88 says, "And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace
offerings . . . ." These oxen, or calves, were sacrificial animals. The Revelator caught a glimpse of the period of time
when God's people became sacrifices. Revelation 12:11 tells us "they loved not their lives unto the death," and
Revelation 17:6 tells us, "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs
of Jesus . . . ." During that time, when persecution was predominant, the saints took on a sacrificial nature.

FACE OF A MAN : Next we find the face of a man representing the papal and Protestant eras. When the Revelator
caught a picture of the papal beast in Revelation, Chapter 13, he said it was best represented by "a man" (Revelation
13:18), and when he saw false preachers, he described them as locusts. Revelation 9:7 says, "And the shapes of the
locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces
were as the faces of men." Here the saints went through a period of time when they were subject unto men.
EAGLE : In the evening time the church is represented by the eagle. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the
Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles." We are in that time when God is lifting the
saints up, enabling them to rise to the light. Just as the eagle can fly toward the sun, we are able to fly right to the
Source of light and obtain greater light and greater truth. God does not want His people sitting down with their wings
all folded down, going through molting season. He wants you and me to soar to higher heights and gain greater
understanding; He wants us to fly above all of men's ideas, above all the things of this life. All of this was made
possible by the Lamb.
Revelation 6:1 states, "And I saw [The only time you will see these truths is when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, looses
understanding through the Spirit of God. When the Spirit of God begins to bring understanding to you, you will hear
as it were the 'noise of thunder.' It will be the voice of God bringing an awakening to you. A revelation will strike
your soul.] when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four
beasts saying, Come and see." These four living creatures want you and me to experience, experimentally, the truth.
Truth is not something you can just get in your head. You can memorize the Revelation chart, frontward and backward,
yet be empty and devoid of truth. The message is to "come and see."
A White Horse
John continued in verse 2, "And I saw, and behold a white horse . . . ." The first four seals are represented by
the "white horse," the red horse, the black horse, and the pale horse. There is significance behind every one of them.
To understand what these horses represent, go back to Zechariah 6:1-5, which states: "And I turned, and lifted up mine
eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were
mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And in the third chariot
white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with
me, What are these, my lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens,
which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
When we read about these horses, we are actually getting a vision of spirits. The spirits are portrayed as these
horses because horses, in the time in which these prophecies were given, were an article of warfare. They were used
by the military. Horses denote militancy, letting us know that every one of these spirits is a militant spirit. They are
working to take over the souls of men. The Holy Spirit is out to conquer and capture men's souls. However, all these
other spirits are too.
The red horse is the spirit of unbelief. The black horse is the spirit of apostasy. The pale horse is a picture of the
spirit of compromise–light and darkness, truth and error, mixed together. Each horse's color depicts what sort of a
message that the corresponding spirit produced. The color portrays what type of message each one produced and what
manner of spirit motivated them.
Zechariah 6:1 tells us that "there came four chariots." Chariots also were an article of warfare. When Zechariah
spoke of chariots, he was introducing something military. People in that day knew if they saw chariots, they were under
attack. Nobody had to write the Israelites an explanation. When they saw Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen
coming (Exodus 14:23), they knew they were in trouble. If God did not intervene, they knew they would be under
attack.
Look again at Zechariah 6:2-4: "In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And
in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. [Every one of these horses was
militant. They were going forth; they were out to take territory.] Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked
with me, What are these, my lord?" In other words, he was asking, "What are these four horses? What does this
symbolize?" Verse 5 answers that, saying, "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the
heavens [of heavenly places, religious places, or ecclesiastical positions], which go forth from standing before the Lord
of all the earth." These horses are the four major religious spirits that are working in this earth. As we study the "white

horse" in Revelation 6:2, we are getting a picture of a spirit working. We are being taken behind the scenes. Christ
is loosing the Holy Spirit to give us understanding.
Zechariah saw the horses as something militant (Zechariah 10:3). However, John went even further and gave
understanding about the riders and what they were working to accomplish. Let us identify why the horse in this first
seal was "white" (Revelation 6:2). Throughout the Scriptures white is a symbol of purity. The Holy Spirit is a holy,
pure spirit. To see what white symbolizes, look at Revelation 7:13-14. It states: "And one of the elders answered, saying
unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou
knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made
them white in the blood of the Lamb." Thus, white denotes purity and holiness. God, speaking through Isaiah in Isaiah
1:18, said, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white
as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
The Holy Spirit Is a Militant Spirit
Revelation 19:8 says, "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine
linen is the righteousness of saints." The Gospel Day started out with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts,
Chapter 2). When the saints came out of that upper room, they came out as though motivated by a horse, a militant
spirit. They preached to everybody in sight. The true church must be pure, holy, and blameless. Ephesians 5:27 says,
"That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should
be holy and without blemish." The only way to be pure and holy is to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Titus 2:12 tells us, "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this present world." The reason the morning-time church made such an impact was that they allowed the
Holy Spirit (that white horse) to motivate, guide, and direct them. We read in Acts 2:4, "And they were all filled with
the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues [the Greek says 'languages'], as the Spirit gave them utterance."
They were effective because they allowed the Spirit to have free right of way.
One of the first truths the Spirit of God would like to loose understanding on is that the Holy Spirit is a militant
spirit. Those who have the Holy Spirit are never content, in the sense that they have never seen God do enough. They
have never seen enough people saved; there are never enough people who have come to the truth. There is always more
ground to gain, more souls to conquer. As long as anyone is lost, the Holy Spirit is not satisfied; as long as anyone is
out in sectarianism, He is not satisfied; as long as anyone is sick, He is not satisfied. That is why when that first beast
(the lion) came on the scene, his message was, "Come and see." He had lit eyes. He was a living creature. He was
walking in this new and living way, and he knew if he could get others to "come and see" what he saw and hear what
he heard, their souls would be conquered by the Holy Spirit too.
The morning-time brethren understood this, and that is why they conquered the then-known world for Christ. They
were never satisfied. The Apostle Paul was not satisfied while in prison. In Colossians 4:3 he told ones to pray that
the door of utterance would be opened to him. There is a world full of people under the power of the enemy. God has
ordained that we, as the church, be liberation forces to a world that is ensnared, in bondage, under the power of the
enemy. Satan only understands one thing–defeat. If we do not go on the offensive and go out as a militant force,
endeavoring to liberate the lost from the clutches of Satan, it will not be long until he will have all of them; then he
will start in on us. God's people would not have such a hard time defending if they would go on the offense. The best
defense is still a good offense. God does not want the saints in the trenches, but He wants them to go "forth
conquering, and to conquer" (Revelation 6:2).
The Rider of the White Horse
Next, let us find out how the Holy Spirit in the morning time was able to be so militant. The Holy Spirit cannot
do much by Himself. Revelation 6:2 says, ". . . and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto
him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." We must establish who it was that sat on the "white horse."
Who is "he that sat on him" and "had a bow" a representation of? A rider who sits upon a horse is in a position
where he is upheld by that horse. Here is a flesh and blood representation of the One who was upheld by the Holy

Spirit. Revelation, Chapter 19, shows us a glimpse of this horse again, and we are given a clear insight as to who it was
that sat upon this white horse.
Revelation 19:11 says, "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him." Notice
the similarity in the phraseology. Revelation 6:2 says, "And I saw, and behold a white horse," and Revelation 19:11
says, "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse." Then Revelation 6:2 speaks of "he that sat on him,"
and Revelation 19:11 also speaks of "he that sat upon him." Here is almost identical phraseology. We also see a
portrait of the same militancy. In Revelation 6:2 we find that He goes "forth conquering, and to conquer," and
Revelation 19:11 tells us "in righteousness he doth judge and make war." In both verses there is the same portrayal of
militancy.
Who is it that "sat on him"? Revelation 19:11 calls Him the "Faithful and True." Who was that? Jesus made it
plain in Revelation 3:14. He said, "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the
Amen, the faithful and true witness." Jesus was speaking here. So, the "faithful and true witness" is Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:13 says, "And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God."
Who bears the name of the Word of God? Who is the Word of God personified? To understand this we must go
back to John's gospel. John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God." Verse 14 tells us, "And the Word was made flesh [an incarnation], and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of [whom?] the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Verse 17 tells us who that is:
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." The Word of God is Jesus Christ. When
Revelation speaks of this One who sat upon the "white horse," who had the name "Faithful and True," who had His
"vesture dipped in blood" and was "called the Word of God," it is a figurative expression of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:12 describes the vesture of the One who was upon the "white horse." It says, "His eyes were as
a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself."
Look at Revelation 19:16, which says, "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS,
AND LORD OF LORDS." Verse 12 says that "his eyes were as a flame of fire," and verse 15 tells us that "out of his
mouth goeth a sharp sword." Revelation, Chapter 1, reveals who those features identify with. Revelation 1:14 says,
"His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire." This is the same
phrase used in Revelation 19:12.
Revelation 1:16 says, "And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged
sword." Again, this verse uses the same phrase as Revelation 19:15. So, who was this a representation of? Revelation
1:11 tells us that it is the One who said, "I am Alpha and Omega." That same term, "I am Alpha and Omega," is
employed again in Revelation 22:13. In Revelation 22:16 He identified Himself as "I Jesus." Every one of these are
verifications of the fact that it was Jesus Christ who was the rider upon this "white horse."
Psalm 45:3-4 says: "Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy
majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible
things." Biblically speaking, who is the right hand that rode in majesty? Exodus, Chapter 15, and Revelation 15:3 talk
about people singing the song of Moses. Exodus 15:1-6 states: "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song
unto the LORD , and spake saying, I will sing unto the LORD , for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider
hath he thrown into the sea [again, here is a verification of the fact that the horse denoted militancy]. The LORD is my
strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God,
and I will exalt him.
"The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his
chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Thy right hand, O LORD , is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD , hath dashed in pieces the enemy." Who
is the right hand that brought this great military victory? Who is this right hand that dashed the enemy into pieces?
The Psalmist caught a glimpse of it, when he wrote, "O sing unto the LORD a new song [David was not talking
about his day, for a new song was not available in his day]; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his
holy arm, hath gotten him the victory" (Psalm 98:1). Where does victory come from? How do you and I get a new
song? First Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory [how?] through our Lord Jesus
Christ." The Psalmist said that victory comes through the right hand. Paul said that it comes through the Lord Jesus
Christ. Thus, the right hand is Jesus Christ, the One who rode on the "white horse" with majesty.

Isaiah 53:1-3 tells us: "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? [One question
answers the other. The arm of the Lord is revealed to everyone who believes the report. You are not going to see it,
until you believe it, and to everyone who believes the report, the arm of the Lord is revealed.] For he [now the arm of
the Lord is this 'he'; this 'he' is a prophecy of Jesus Christ] shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out
of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire
him. He is despised and rejected of men . . . ." Verse 3 is referring to Jesus Christ. So, the arm of the Lord, the right
hand, is Christ.
The Bow Represents a Covenant
Let us look a little further at the description of "he that sat" on the "white horse." In Revelation 6:2 we read
that "he that sat on him had a bow." Christ came in His first advent to usher in something that had never been
ushered in before. This bow is a picture of the covenant. Christ came to usher in a covenant. Biblically, the bow has
always represented the covenant. After Noah came off the ark, offered up a sacrifice, and worshiped God, God
established a covenant. How did He symbolize that covenant? With a bow (Genesis 9:13-15).
The bow was a figure of the covenant. Every rainbow that you and I are familiar with has an equal distribution of
seven prismatic colors. If you study a rainbow, you will find it always consists of the same seven prismatic colors, and
they are always in the same formation. White light, when passed through a prism, will separate into the seven colors
of the bow. Also, if you run the seven prismatic colors back through the prism, they combine to produce pure white
light. Each of the colors is a representation of different features of the new covenant. These colors represent attributes
necessary for the saints to have holiness–a pure white experience.
When we are introduced to this bow (Revelation 4:3), the Scripture says, "And he that sat was to look upon like
a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, [There is nothing new about a rainbow.
It is as old as the covenant with Noah. However, the next phrase lets us know this is something new.] in sight like unto
an emerald." Here is a bow that had a totally different appearance about it, a bow that is new to man. The bow typifies
the covenant, and since this is a different, new bow, it represents the new covenant, or the New Testament. The first
covenant was inadequate, so Christ came to establish a new one. The first covenant was merely a "schoolmaster to
bring us unto Christ" (Galatians 3:24).
The New Covenant
In Hebrews 8:6-10 we read: "But now hath he [the preceding verses tell us that is Christ] obtained a more excellent
ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For
if that first covenant [the old covenant, the Old Testament] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought
for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new
covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their
fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in
my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them
a God, and they shall be to me a people." Here is a totally new covenant with a whole different aspect than the old
covenant.
The old covenant was written on tables of stone, but the new covenant is written on the fleshly tables of the heart
(2 Corinthians 3:3). It is something new and distinct from the old covenant. The people under the new covenant, or in
the New Testament age, are distinct because God said, "I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their
hearts" (Hebrews 8:10).
Let us look at why the new covenant in Revelation 4:3 was like "in sight like unto an emerald." Emerald is a soft
green color, symbolic of mercy. The main distinction between the old covenant and the new covenant is mercy. He that
is "rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4) is in this new covenant. Under the old covenant they "died without mercy" (Hebrews
10:28). But the new covenant is in "sight like unto an emerald" (Revelation 4:3). This is because the prevailing spirit
of the new covenant is a spirit of mercy. Christ sits on David's throne showing "the sure mercies of David" (Acts
13:34).

Second Corinthians 3:3 says, "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by
us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
The old Law was received on Sinai and engraved on tables of stone. People might get away from the tables of stone
and forget what the Law says. However, in this New Testament dispensation, God's law is engraved on the fleshly
tables of the heart. How do you forget what is in your heart? This is a totally different type of a covenant.
Christ Established One Body–His Church
Let us look again at Revelation 6:2. It says, ". . . and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given
unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." How did Christ go forth to conquer in this morning
period of time, from A.D. 33 to A.D. 270? He had literally passed off the stage of action. He had ascended into Heaven
(Acts 1:9). Hebrews 10:12 lets us know He is now in the presence of God, sitting "on the right hand of God." So, how
did He "go forth conquering, and to conquer" in this first period of time? He did it through a people who took hold
of the covenant, the truth. He worked through people who allowed Him, through salvation, to write the Word on the
fleshly tables of their hearts. They became new creatures in Christ Jesus. The personification of Christ took place in
the people who made up His body, the church (Colossians 1:18).
This "he that sat on him" (Revelation 6:2) initially in the first seal was Christ. However, in time it took on an
even more vivid flesh and blood representation. As people embraced the covenant, took hold of the truth, and became
the people of God, then those who took the bow and let the Spirit of God (the horse) uphold them, became His flesh
and blood representation. You cannot separate Christ from His body.
Certainly, it was Christ going "forth conquering and to conquer," but how does Christ "conquer"? Through
whom does He work? Go to Colossians 1:27 to see where Christ is. It says, "To whom God would make known what
is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Christ is now
in everyone who has taken hold of the truth. When people in the morning era of the Gospel Day took hold of the truths
of Christ's Word, He wrote those truths on their minds and hearts. They became living epistles; they became Christ's
representation. They became His body and went forth to conquer a world for Christ.
If you will read Ephesians, Chapter 2, you will understand the "he that sat on him" was not only Christ, but after
Christ literally left the stage of action, it became Christ's body. Ephesians 2:13-15 reads: "But now in Christ Jesus ye
who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he [Jesus] is our peace, who hath made both one,
and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law
of commandments [here is Christ taking the old out of the way] contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of
twain one new man . . . ." The "himself " is Jesus Christ. The one new man whom Christ made, that one body in Christ
Jesus, is a picture of the church.
"He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second" (Hebrews 10:9). Christ, in His own self, in His own
body, took away the law of commandments, the old covenant as it were, and established "one new man." We know that
is a figure of the church, because Ephesians 2:16 says, "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the
cross . . . ." That verse is not just talking about His literal body, that was slain on the Cross, but He reconciled Jew and
Gentile, bond and free, Barbarian and Scythian, to all come together in the body of Christ, the church. To understand
what the body is, turn to Ephesians 1:22-23. It says: "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church, Which is his body . . . ." The body is the church, and it is the same thing, as Ephesians
2:15 states, as the "one new man."
Since Christ has ascended back into Heaven, the saints are His representatives, His ambassadors. We are here in
His stead, just as the saints were in the morning-time church. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, which states: "And all
things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us [notice, he said 'us'; he was
not just speaking of himself but of the saints, the church as a whole] the ministry of reconciliation; [If you are
reconciled to God, the one commission that every saint has is to try to reconcile somebody else to Christ. If He saved
you, He left you here for one purpose–to help others to be saved.] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world
unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." If you
go back to 2 Corinthians 1:1, you will find that Paul was addressing "the church of God which is at Corinth." He has
given to the church that ministry of reconciliation.

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then we [everyone who has been reconciled and has this ministry of
reconciliation] are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead . . . ."
The church is here in Christ's stead. Ephesians 5:30 makes it plain that we are His fleshly representation. It says, "For
we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." We are His fleshly, human representation. We are His
ambassadors in this world. That is why it refers to us as the body of Christ. If Christ wants to speak to someone, He
only has one mouth to use–the mouth of the saints. If He wants to take the Gospel to someone, He only has one set of
feet to use–the feet of the church.
Christ did not move off the stage of action until He had instituted and implemented a bow, or a covenant. The
people who took hold of that covenant became His body. God has ordained for Christ to be visualized through a people
taking hold of the truths of this covenant and putting them on. God wants the world to see a reflection of His Word in
the church. When they look at the church, they are to see Jesus Christ. If Christ conquers the world, it is not going to
be Christ alone, but it is going to be the people of God motivated by Christ.
Galatians 3:27 says, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." The way to put
on Christ is by being baptized. That does not mean water baptism. Water baptism is a symbol of something that has
already occurred. This baptism into Christ means to be submerged, to be identified with Him. It is through salvation
that we are immersed into Christ. In John 15:5 Jesus said, ". . . He that abideth in me, and I in him . . . ." The Christian
is immersed into Christ. We abide in Him, and His words abide in us as we immerse and submit ourselves unto Christ.
When we put on the truth as He brings it to us, that is how we put on Christ. Paul wrote in Romans 13:14, "But put ye
on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh." In other words, live in the Spirit, let the Spirit of God
direct you and dominate you, let Him write the Word on your heart and mind.
In Revelation 6:2 we find that what "he" (the church directed by Christ) is sitting upon is the "white horse,"
which is the Holy Spirit. Here are a people being upheld by the Holy Spirit. In Psalm 51:12 David said, "Restore unto
me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." Here is a picture of one being upheld by the Spirit.
These people who had embraced the new covenant were being upheld by the Spirit of God. That is why they were so
effective. They did not go in their own strength. Peter tried in his own strength when he took a sword and cut off a
man's ear (John 18:10-11). He did not show Christ by doing that. He was fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Later, that
same Peter, when he was guided, dominated, directed, and upheld by the Holy Spirit, stood right up on the Day of
Pentecost and preached spiritual truths (Acts 2:14-40).
The Bow–A Two-Fold Symbol
Let us look a little deeper at this "bow." This "bow" is a dual figure, a two-fold symbol. It was not only symbolic
of the new covenant, but there was another reason why Christ used the figure of a "bow." In addition to a bow being
a rainbow, it was also a weapon of warfare. Just as the horse denoted militancy, the bow also denoted militancy. The
bow was an active article of warfare. By being a dual figure, the "bow" denotes the militancy and the aggressiveness
of the morning-time church.
In Zechariah 10:3-4 we read: "Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the
LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle. Out of
him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow . . . ." Here the battle bow is connected with
the horse in the battle letting us know that it is a dual figure. It is not only portraying the new covenant, but it is
portraying the fact that these ones who embraced the new covenant came forth with a militancy. Someone who really
gets saved wants to see somebody else get saved, and he is not satisfied until he does. There is a certain militancy, a
certain aggression that comes with truth. To settle back on our "lees" (Zephaniah 1:12), or to be complacent and
indifferent, is totally foreign to one possessed by the Holy Spirit. It is a militant Spirit, and a people who take hold of
the covenant will turn that covenant into a battle bow. They will use the very covenant that saved them as a weapon
of warfare to save others.
All the way through the Scriptures, the bow and arrows represent militancy, aggression, and warfare. There is a
real message behind these symbols. Let us lift a few Scriptures. In Psalm 7:13 we read, "He hath also prepared for him
the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors." Here we find that arrows were active
instruments of warfare. Psalm 45:4-6 reads: "And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and
righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. [What was one of the terrible things?] Thine arrows

are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and
ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre."
That prophecy concerning the scepter and the kingdom is picked up in Hebrews 1:8. It states, "But unto the Son
[Christ] he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
Here he was teaching that these arrows, which are sharp in the hearts of the king's enemies, are nothing more than the
truth that would be ushered forth during this New Testament dispensation. Truth would come when Christ would have
the scepter of righteousness, and the Kingdom of God would be a reality. These arrows are spiritual arrows.
Psalm 64:7 says, "But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded." These arrows are
truths. We read in 2 Samuel 22:14-15: "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice. And
he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them." These arrows are a picture of militancy, a
picture of aggression.
When we come back to Revelation 6:2, we see a picture of this "bow," not only symbolizing the new covenant,
but letting us know that God has ordained for this same covenant to be a militant article of our warfare. It is a militant
article able to shoot the arrows of truth that strike and pierce the hearts of those who are searching for truth. This is
how the morning-time church conquered the then-known world. Truth will pierce the heart of the honest. One might
not understand in his head, but there is something in the heart that perceives it.
The Crown of Life
Revelation 6:2 continues, telling us that "a crown was given unto him." What does this "crown" symbolize?
The "crown" that Christ wore was a crown of glory and honor. In Hebrews 2:9-10 we read: "But we see Jesus, who
was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace
of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in
bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." What is the crown?
He was crowned with glory and honor by the grace of God (Hebrews 2:9).
Since Christ tasted death, what does the grace of God do? The grace of God (Hebrews 2:10) brings many sons to
glory, and the "crown" that is on His head is the glory and honor that comes when you and I yield ourselves to Him
as sons. Not only is Christ to have a "crown," but He left a provision for us to have crowns as well. Go to James 1:12.
It states, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried [not after he is tried, but when he is tried],
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." This "crown of life" is just
that–the crown is life. People who, when they are being tempted, refuse the temptation and prove their love to Christ
have a victorious, crowned life.
This is one reason the morning-time church could go forth "conquering, and to conquer." They were very heavily
tried. They died at the edge of the sword. They died by crucifixion and many other means. However, they praised God
right in the midst of their trials and proved their love to Christ. They showed that they had a victorious, crowned life
and God used that to captivate hearts. Those truths that the unsaved saw portrayed in the saints were like arrows that
pierced their hearts, and they conquered unsaved people for Christ.
In Revelation 3:11 Jesus said, "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast [present tense], that no man
take thy crown." Here is a crown we can have while we are living. The message in Revelation 6:2 is that He went
"forth conquering, and to conquer." It is portraying the church in her militant phase. Daniel 2:44 says, "And in the
days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall
not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." That
which goes "forth conquering, and to conquer" and breaks in pieces all these other things is the Kingdom of God,
or the people of God. How are they able to conquer? Look at the wording in Revelation 6:2: "He went forth." "He"
(the rider) that sat and had a "bow" and a "crown" went forth. The church was victorious in their militancy because
they were the body of Christ that took hold of the covenant and went forth to conquer for Christ and truth. They
realized that the victory was in Christ and without Him they could do nothing (John 15:5).
The battle still belongs to the Lord. First Samuel 17:47 declares, "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD
saveth not with sword and spear [or in a literal manner]: for the battle is the LORD 'S , and he will give you into our
hands." The morning-time church never forgot that it took the Lord to give the enemy into their hands. Second
Chronicles 20:15 says, "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king

Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle
is not yours, but God's."

CHAPTER SIX
THE SECOND SEAL

(A.D. 33-270)
Revelation 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take
peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
The Second Beast
Revelation 6:3 begins, "And when he had opened the second seal . . . ." What does it mean for these seals to
be opened? Christ, after the Resurrection, was expounding to the disciples. Luke 24:45 says, "Then opened he their
understanding, that they might understand the scriptures." When Revelation 6:1 says that "the Lamb opened one of the
seals," it means that He opened their understanding. How is that accomplished? Through the Spirit of God. The Spirit
of God is the One who enlightens, or opens, our understanding. Ephesians 1:17-18 says: "That the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The
eyes of your understanding being enlightened." Who enlightens your understanding? The Spirit does.
So, when Revelation 6:3 says, "And when he [the Lamb, according to Revelation 6:1] opened the second seal,"
it is simply saying that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, loosed the Holy Spirit and gave Him authorization to bring
understanding of the Scriptures and of scriptural truths that applied to these people. Christ did this so that they could
have understanding of what they were being confronted with in that era of time. The "second seal" occurred from A.D.
33 to A.D. 270, the same as the first seal. When the Holy Spirit was loosed, people embraced the truth. Being upheld
by that Spirit, they were going "forth conquering, and to conquer" (Revelation 6:2). Needless to say, just as soon as
truth came on the scene, an opposing spirit rose up to work against it. Truth has never been without foes and never shall
be until time reels into eternity.
When the Lamb had opened the "second seal," Revelation 6:3 says, "I heard the second beast say, Come and
see." Let us look at the "second beast." The original Greek word is zoon, which means "a living creature." Thus, this
"second beast" is not a hideous beast. Revelation 13:11 says, "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth."
The word "beast" used in this text is the Greek word therion, which means "a wild beast." The beasts found in
Revelation, Chapters 4, 5, and 6, were totally different from these wild beasts. Ezekiel caught a vision of much the
same thing, and he called them "living creatures." Ezekiel 1:5 says, "Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness
of four living creatures." Paul made plain the reason why they are styled as "living creatures." In 2 Corinthians 5:17
he said, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." When you become a new creature, Romans 6:4 says
you have "newness of life." You are a new and living creature. You walk, according to Hebrews 10:20, "by a new and
living way." These "living creatures" are a picture, in figurative expression, of the redeemed of all ages.
A Calf-Like Nature
What was the second living creature? To understand, we must go back to Revelation, Chapter 4. Revelation 4:7
says, "And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf . . . ." Here the redeemed take on a totally
different nature. A calf was a sacrificial animal. It was not long into this morning of time until people who had stood
for truth as a lion, became as a sacrificial animal, and they laid down their lives on martyr blocks.
Leviticus gives insight to this introduction of the second living creature, showing what type of spirit was working
under the "second seal." It was a spirit that made martyrs of the saints. Leviticus 9:2-3 says: "And he said unto Aaron,
Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the
LORD . And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf
and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering." A calf represents a sacrificial animal, one who
gave its life as an offering.

As we begin to study this red horse and the spirit that it represents, we will find that, because of the spirit working
in that "second seal," the people of God took on a sacrificial, calf-like nature. Revelation 6:4 says, "And there went
out another horse that was red." The first seal, represented by the white horse, was a picture of the Holy Spirit. The
"second seal" is represented by a red horse. These horses are figurative vehicles depicting various spirits. Horses are
used to represent spirits because a horse is a militant animal, and these spirits are militant spirits. These militant spirits
are out to conquer the souls of God's people. Just as they worked in the morning time, they are working in this evening
of time. If you give vent to the spirit of unbelief, it will change you from white and purity to red and sinfulness.
We read in Zechariah 6:1-5: "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four
chariots out from between two mountains [Mount Sinai, representing the Old Testament, and Mount Zion, representing
the New Testament]; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second
chariot black horses; And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. [These are
the same horses as described in the Revelation: white, red, black, and pale. Zechariah received the same prophesy, only
he gave a few more details.] Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing
before the Lord of all the earth." So, we see that these horses represent spirits, and the type of spirit depends on the
color of the horse. The color portrays the nature. They were the "four spirits of the heavens," which means that every
one of them was a religious spirit.
Zechariah 1:8-10 says: "I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle
trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, O my lord, what
are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be. And the man that stood
among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the
earth." Let us get an understanding of who most of these spirits represent. First, we need to find out who it is that walks
"to and fro through the earth." Then we will begin to catch a vision of what kind of spirits these are, predominately.
Job 1:6-7 states: "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD , and
Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD ,
and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." In Zechariah's vision of these spirits,
he said they "walked to and fro through the earth" (Zechariah 6:7). That is just where Satan said he was. That tells us
these spirits are motivated and prompted by the devil. They may be religious, they may take on different manifestations,
but behind every one of them (whether it is the red, the black, or the pale) is the devil. Each of those spirits has one
purpose: to deceive souls.
As we study this red horse, we must realize that it is a spirit of the heavens, meaning it occupies an exalted,
heavenly position in ecclesiastical realms. It is a religious spirit, and back of it is the devil. Each religious system
correlates with the spirit that motivated it. The spirit of the red horse is the spirit that motivated the system of the "great
red dragon" (Revelation 12:3). The people in that system were very religious. There were temples all over the Roman
Empire. However, in spite of that the Romans were a ruthless, bloodthirsty, and sinful people.
When the spirit of the red horse began to work, it produced a system that became an opposer to the morning-time
church. Revelation 12:3 says, "And there appeared another wonder in heaven [this red horse produced the system that
raised itself up, not just as a political system but as an ecclesio-political system, a religious system that began to work
in opposition to the church]; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns . . . ." This was Rome
in its pagan form. The seven heads represent the seven heads of government that Rome had in its pagan form. The ten
horns represent the ten minor kingdoms that made up the Roman Empire.
Look at the nature that the people of God had to take on when this spirit was loosed. In Revelation 12:11 we read,
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives
unto the death." The people of God had to take on the nature of a calf; they had to yield up their lives. Revelation 12:17
says, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the
commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Jesus prophesied of this in Matthew 24:9, saying,
"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's
sake." In John 16:2 Jesus said, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth
you will think that he doeth God service." This spirit is deceptive. When religious people will kill someone and think
they are doing God service, they are deceived. These old religious spirits can make people do the most mystifying

things and yet think they are right. So, this second seal portrays the spirit that produced a period of martyrdom. There
was a spirit loosed that caused the Roman Empire to put many Christians to death.
The Spirit of the Red Horse
What kind of a spirit could produce such atrocities? Revelation 6:2 speaks of a "white horse." Since white denotes
purity and holiness, this horse represents the Holy Spirit. By stark contrast, in the same period of time is a red horse,
which is drastically different than the Holy Spirit. Red is a portrayal of two things: bloodiness and sinfulness.
Sinfulness through the annals of time, as well as in the Scriptures, has been portrayed as scarlet. In Nathaniel
Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter, scarlet was used to portray sin. In Isaiah 1:18 we read, "Come now, and let us
reason together, saith the LORD : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool." So we see that red represents sin, and this red horse represents a sinful spirit.
What type of sinful spirit does the red horse represent? First, let us look at what the cardinal sin is. (The word
"cardinal" comes from the Latin word cardo, which means "hinge." What is the sin on which all other sins hinge? What
is the sin of all sins? Let us look at how it is employed in the Scriptures.) There is a sin that is the root of all sins. John
1:29 says, "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away
the sin [singular] of the world." Not "the sins," but "the sin."
Jesus came to take away "the sin." Now what is "the sin"? John 9:35-41 says: "Jesus heard that they had cast him
out; [This was the blind man whom Jesus had healed. When the council asked him who made him to see, he told them
about Jesus. They did not want to hear about Jesus, and finally, they threw him out of the temple.] and when he had
found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might
believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said,
Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see
not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard
these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but
now ye say, We see; therefore your sin [singular] remaineth." What sin was it that remained? What did Jesus ask this
young man? In verse 35 He asked, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" This man believed, but the Pharisees did
not. The sin was unbelief. It is the sin of all sins, the cardinal sin.
People do not go to hell because of the sinful habits of life by which they are bound. They go to hell because they
do not believe in the Son, Jesus Christ. John 16:8-9 tells us what the Holy Ghost would deal with when He came: "And
when he [the antecedent of 'he' is the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, according to John 14:26] is come, he will
reprove the world of sin [not sins, but sin in the singular], and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin [what sin?],
because they believe not on me." He reproved the sin of unbelief. When the sinner gets over his unbelief, the tobacco
habit, the drinking, the cursing, and the worldliness will go. All of that is the result of the sin of unbelief.
The spirit of the red horse is the spirit of unbelief. That is the first opposition that the morning-time church faced
when Christ came forth with truth. Unbelief is a spirit that is still loose today. John 3:16-18 says: "For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him [it is not just a one-time believing; that
word believeth is in the continual and present tense] should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his
Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is
not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already . . . ." Where is the condemnation? Where does sin
enter in? It is through unbelief. It is this sin of unbelief that makes people guilty of blood. It is unbelief that produces
the bloodiness, the martyrdom.
Look at the account of Jesus before Pilate. Matthew 27:22-23 and 25 states: "Pilate saith unto them, What shall
I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why,
what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. . . . Then answered all the people,
and said, His blood be on us, and on our children." Unbelief produced the blood. Pilate said, "What shall I do with
Jesus which is called the Christ? Shall I crucify your king?" Their answer was, "We have no king but Caesar" (John
19:15). It was unbelief that caused the Jews to become a bloody people, to become guilty of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Unbelief Was a Predominate Morning-Time Spirit
Unbelief was working in the second-seal time period. Christ came on the scene in that first century, and the first
thing He was confronted with was unbelief. To understand how unbelief was working, look at the account of Christ's
seizure in the garden. When they came to the garden, in John 18:4 Jesus said, "Whom seek ye?" Verses 5-6 say: "They
answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. . . . they went backward, and fell to the ground." Here
was Jesus–an itinerant preacher, with no education, who was raised in a carpenter's shop–standing, and the Roman
army was lying on their backs, with their spears and swords laying all over the place. That ought to have told them
something. He never lifted a finger; He just said three words, "I am he." There is power in those words. When they
finally got back to their feet, they still arrested Jesus. They were filled with unbelief.
Unbelief was one of the predominant spirits in this morning of time. Jesus was confronted with it more than once.
There was unbelief in Nazareth, His own hometown. Matthew 13:57-58 says: "And they were offended in him. [People
still get offended in Him today. There is something about the truth that tends to rub the flesh wrong, and people get
offended.] But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
And he did not many mighty works there [why?] because of their unbelief." Here was a Man who could raise the dead,
heal the sick, cleanse the leper, and save the soul. Yet, He had to leave Nazareth with all of that power untapped
because of unbelief.
In Mark's gospel you can read the narrative of the demoniac son brought by his father to the disciples, but they
could not help him. Mark 9:21-24 tells us: "And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And
he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do
any thing [here are doubt and unbelief], have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe,
all things are possible to him that believeth." Jesus went right to the root of the problem. Help cannot come until you
get rid of the unbelief.
Often the reason people have things they are not getting victory over is because they have some unbelief. As long
as you are exploring other options, thinking, "Well, if this does not work, I can always go this other way," you are not
going to get anything from the Lord. James 1:6-7 says: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of
the Lord." When you are just tossed to and fro like a wave of the sea, James says you are not going to get anything from
God because of unbelief. Jesus put it straight to this father. Mark 9:24 states, "And straightway the father of the child
cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
Another example of unbelief is found in Luke 22:66-68, which says: "And as soon as it was day, the elders of the
people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ?
tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe [they were filled with unbelief]: And if I also ask you,
ye will not answer me, nor let me go." The red horse portrays a sinful spirit, the sin of unbelief. Unbelief is the
besetting sin.
Hebrews, Chapter 11, is the famous faith chapter. Throughout the chapter the sacred writer talked about faith. Let
us look at a few examples: "by faith Abel" (verse 4), "by faith Enoch" (verse 5), "by faith Noah" (verse 7), "by faith
Abraham" (verse 8), "through faith also Sara" (verse 11), "by faith Isaac" (verse 20), "by faith Jacob" (verse 21), "by
faith Joseph" (verse 22), and "by faith Moses" (verse 23). Then Hebrews 12:1 says, "Wherefore [Meaning, because
of these things. To rightly understand what the writer was referring to you have to read and understand the preceding
chapter.] seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses [the witnesses are people who made
it through by faith: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and the others mentioned in Chapter
11], let us [now it is up to us] lay aside every weight, and the sin [all through Chapter 11, the penman talked about
faith; so, the sin that can strip faith from us is unbelief] which doth so easily beset us . . . ."
Unbelief is a militant spirit. This was not written to the pagans (the Roman Empire) but to the saints. In Hebrews
3:12 we read, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you [speaking to the brethren] an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God." The spirit of unbelief is out to cause you to depart from the living God. If you are not
careful, this spirit will sow doubt in your mind about the Bible and about the truth. It is a religious spirit, and it can
explain away sound Bible reasoning with palatable and seemingly intelligent arguments.
Hebrews 3:17-19 tells us: "But with whom was he grieved forty years [speaking of those who sojourned in the
wilderness forty years]? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom

sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in
[why?] because of unbelief." When Israel came up to Kadesh-Barnea, they had traveled a very short amount of time.
They could have gone right on into Canaan. Yet, unbelief caused them to send out spies to see if the land was as God
said it was. Of the twelve spies, only two came back with a good report, and the people believed the majority. However,
the majority is almost always wrong. Ten spies came back with an evil report, in essence saying, "It is a land that eats
up the inhabitants. We cannot go over there. We are grasshoppers in our sight." Looking through natural, human
eyesight, rather than through the eyes of faith is what produces unbelief. Those people had seen the Red Sea part and
that same water drown their enemies; at Mount Sinai they had heard God speak personally. Yet, the spirit of unbelief
had hold of them.
God's people today may feel, "Oh, God has done so much for me. I could never get filled up with unbelief."
Nevertheless, unbelief is a spirit, and regardless of what kind of an experience you have, how close to God you have
been, or how much truth you have seen, if it gets hold of you, it will blind your eyes so fast you will be deceived. That
is why these spirits must not be played with. They will damn you. This spirit can move in on you easily, but it does
not move out easily. You can take in a spirit just as you take in air, but God in His faithfulness will reveal it. Yet, too
many times when God reveals what is working, people do not want to own it. Ephesians 2:2 says, "Wherein in time
past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now
worketh in the children of disobedience." Here the spirit is correlated with air, showing that you can take in a spirit
just as you take in air. That is why you need the washing of water by the Word to cleanse you from all filthiness of the
flesh and of the spirit (Ephesians 5:26 and 2 Corinthians 7:1). Another spirit can begin to try to work on your spirit.
When you are exposed to people with various types of spirits, it is really easy for your thinking to get tainted; the
enemy will begin to work to cause your spirit to be defiled.
The Power Is in Believing
The spirit of unbelief began to animate a system, and that system rose up and became an opposition to the morning-
time church. The system that it motivated was the Roman Empire in its pagan form. That same spirit is animating
systems and governments yet today. It is also working in an even more subtle manner among the camp of the saints,
trying to sow unbelief. It is much more damnable and deceptive than it was back in the morning time. Isaiah saw there
would be trouble with this spirit. In the atonement chapter he said, "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the
arm of the LORD revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1). Here he asked the first question, letting us know that unbelief would be a
problem when Christ came. Then he asked the second question, and the second question answers the first question.
The arm of the Lord is revealed to everyone who believes the report. The power is in believing. The power is in faith.
What does it mean to believe the report? Romans 10:13-16 states: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in
him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they
be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of
good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" To believe
the report is to obey the Gospel.
Every time the sons of God, the saints of God, assemble themselves together, these spirits appear. Right when the
Gospel is going forth, while God is trying to sow it in the saints' hearts, the devil will try to reason it away. The spirit
of unbelief is a very deadly, very damnable spirit. In our day it does not manifest itself as it did back in the morning
time, through outward persecution, suffering, and martyrdom. There may be an element of that, but in this evening time
it is working like a frog (Revelation 16:13-14). A frog is something that is hard to get hold of. It is slippery and slimy.
You will think you have it, then it gets away from you. That is just the way these spirits are working today. They are
so deceptive, but truth will expose them so that God's people do not let any of these spirits make an inroad.
How can a saint keep these spirits from working? The only place that a frog will dwell is in a stagnant pool. They
will not dwell in fresh-moving water. If you keep the water of life moving, keep the connection between you and God
going, you will not have to worry about these spirits. If they try to move in, the Holy Ghost will move them right out.
However, if you get a little cool in your experience and let your experience stagnate just a little, things will begin to
work. Stagnant water will develop algae and other kinds of fungus and become a breeding ground for these spirits.

The Dragon Made War With the Saints
Let us consider how the spirit of unbelief manifested itself in the morning time and the type of system it animated.
Revelation, Chapter 12, is the beginning of a series, and it starts in the beginning of the Gospel Day as well. It
describes, in figurative expressions, an introduction to the morning-time church in her pristine glory. Revelation 12:1-2
says: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and
upon her head a crown of twelve stars: [Here we are introduced to the morning-time church in her parental phase. She
is ready to become a mother.] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." Galatians
4:26 says that the "Jerusalem which is above [the heavenly Jerusalem, the church] is free, which is the mother of us
all." Again, here is a picture of the church in her parental phase.
As soon as the church came on the stage of action in the morning of time, Revelation 12:3 says, "And there
appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, [This great red dragon was the system that was
motivated by the spirit of the red horse. The horse depicts the spirit, but the great red dragon portrays the system that
was animated by this spirit.] having seven heads and ten horns . . . ." This is a picture of the pagan Roman Empire. The
great red dragon was the emblem that the Roman soldiers wore on their shields. This dragon had seven heads,
emblematic of the seven different heads of government. The reason it had ten horns (horns in the Scripture denote
political power) was that the pagan Roman Empire was made up of ten minor kingdoms, or ten political powers. Just
as soon as this opposing force came on the scene, Revelation 12:7 says, "And there was war in heaven." This opposing
force, motivated and animated by the spirit of the red horse, began to work against the morning-time church.
Let us look at one way that Rome worked against the saints. Revelation 12:4 states, "And his tail drew the third
part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to
be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." As soon as people were born again, if Rome found out
about it, they would attempt to make martyrs of them. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they [the brethren] overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." They
sealed their testimony with blood. They took on a calf-like nature and yielded up their lives. Revelation 12:4 also
portrays a spiritual reality as well. The dragon was motivated by the spirit of unbelief. The phrase to "devour her child"
also teaches us that the spirit of unbelief works to devour our experience and take our spiritual life from us.
We read in Revelation 12:17, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant
of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." This great red dragon
made war with the saints and martyred many. Jesus told us this would take place. In Matthew 24:8-9 He said: "All these
are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated
of all nations for my name's sake." The beginning of sorrow took place in the beginning of the Gospel Day. Jesus said
in John 16:2, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think
that he doeth God service." That time certainly came.
So we see that the second living creature equated with the second seal was a calf. During this time, when the red
horse was loosed in such a feverish manner, God's people, who started out like a lion going forth conquering and to
conquer, ended up being a calf-like people. Nero was emperor of Rome at this time, and he was a fierce and terrible
emperor. He had Rome set on fire; then he fiddled while Rome was burning. Later, he blamed it on the Christians and
had them hunted down like animals. Nero had Christians dipped in wax, their hair stood on end, and lit them like
candles to light his garden for him. They sealed their testimony with their blood. They loved not their lives unto death.
Some Christians were thrown to the lions, and others were sent out to fight the gladiators. When the gladiator had them
down with a sword drawn ready to thrust them through, he would look to the emperor. Thumbs up meant let him live,
and thumbs down meant kill him. Foxe's Book of Martyrs is a verification of these accounts.
The Rider of the Red Horse
Revelation 6:4 says, "And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat
thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a
great sword." The red horse portrays the spirit of unbelief, and that spirit motivated a system–the pagan Roman
Empire. This system had a flesh and blood representation–"him that sat thereon"–that was being upheld by that
spirit. Who was this representation? Revelation 6:4 tells us that "power was given to him," revealing that this flesh

and blood representation was best personalized by a person or an office to whom power was given. The red horse was
the spirit that motivated and conveyed the rider; it carried and supported him. The spirit was portrayed by the red horse,
but the rider was the flesh and blood representation that was upheld by that spirit. Who was the rider? The rider does
not represent an individual, but the office that the individual held. In this particular age the reins of control of this
system were in the hands of the leaders of the pagan Roman Empire, the Imperial Caesars. So, this rider on the horse
portrayed the Imperial Caesars.
History tells us that there were ten seasons of severe persecution under the reigns of the emperors. Nero beheaded
Paul. Domitian tried to boil John in oil, and when the oil would not boil him, he banished John to the Isle of Patmos.
The other eight emperors were Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Maximus, Decius, Aurelian, Valerian,
and Diocletian. By almost every means imaginable, Christians were slaughtered by the pagans. Hundreds of thousands
of saints gave up their lives for Christ's sake.
Look again at Revelation 6:4. It says, "And power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the
earth . . . ." Man can touch the earthen vessel, but he cannot get to the soul. All that Nero could do was sever Paul's
head from his shoulders. He could not separate Paul from the love of Christ. Paul said in Romans 8:35, "Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword?" Verse 37 answers that question by saying, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us." Caesar could take peace from the earth, he could take peace from their flesh, but he could not take peace
from their soul.
What is this earth a representation of? Second Corinthians 5:1 says, "For we know that if our earthly house of this
tabernacle . . . ." Paul was talking about the human tabernacle made of clay, the earthly house. Second Corinthians 5:4
says, "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed
upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." The tabernacle is our mortality, our body. This is why Jesus taught
in Matthew 6:10 to pray in this manner: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth [not on earth, but in earth; the
kingdom comes when you let God's will be done in your earthen vessel], as it is in heaven."
Matthew 10:28 states, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Through persecution Roman paganism could only take peace from
the earthen vessel. Matthew 10:16-18 says: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore
wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will
scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake . . . ." This prophecy
was fulfilled during the second seal.
Matthew 10:19-23 tells us: "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall
be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which
speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall
rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake:
but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another." Jesus told
of persecution that was going to take place, the persecution that our lesson is talking about.
The Sword of Civil Authority
Revelation 6:4 says that "there was given unto him a great sword." In the Scriptures many times the sword
represents God's Word, but this spirit was the spirit of unbelief. These people did not embrace God's Word. God's
Word, the sword of the Spirit, cannot operate with unbelief. Unbelief will prohibit you from wielding the sword of the
Word. So, this sword must be something distinct and different from the sword of the Spirit. This is not God's Spirit,
but the spirit of unbelief. Since it is a totally different spirit, it must be a totally different sword.
The Imperial Caesars had the sword of the state. Even today the government wields a sword. In the morning time,
when the pagan Caesars were dominated by this spirit of unbelief, they wielded this sword that God had entrusted to
them. As officials of government, God entrusted the sword to them to use in civil matters. However, because of the
spirit of unbelief, anyone who would not burn a pinch of incense once a year and say "Caesar is lord" was executed
by the sword of state.
In Romans 13:1-4 we read: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers [speaking of civil authorities]. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers [the higher
powers] are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good,
and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he [the ruler] is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that
which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain [here is the sword that the rider on this red horse had–the
sword of state, civil authority]: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
God has given the state a sword to wield, because there are times when executions must take place. Capital
punishment is still God's will. God's Word tells us that whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. That was a
moral law before God gave the Mosaic law. God said in Genesis 9:6, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his
blood be shed." That is a moral principle. That is justice. So, we find that the state has the sword, and in this morning-
time era this sword was used against the saints of God. They were using the sword of state to take the lives of the saints
of God who would not bow down to the Imperial Caesars. In Acts 12:1-4 we read: "Now about that time Herod the king
stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword [here
is the sword of state]. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the
days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four
quaternions of soldiers to keep him."
John 19:6-7 says: "When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him [speaking of Christ], they cried out,
saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The
Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God." The
Jews could not kill Him because they did not have the civil authority. Pontius Pilate used the sword of state. The spirit
that motivated this sword of state was the spirit of unbelief. This spirit raised right up against Paul. Acts 23:1-3 states:
"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council [Jesus foretold this in Matthew 10:17], said, Men and brethren, I have lived
in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to
smite him on the mouth. [How come? It was because of unbelief. He did not believe Paul's testimony.] Then said Paul
unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be
smitten contrary to the law?" Ananias did not even believe the law he was representing; he acted contrary to it.
Later, Paul appeared before Festus and King Agrippa. Acts 26:23-24 tells us: "That Christ should suffer, and that
he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And
as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee
mad." Festus did not believe people could be raised from the dead. Ultimately, when Paul appeared before Nero, he
was not guilty of any capital offense, but because Nero did not believe Paul's testimony, he had him beheaded.
Persecution Did Not Hinder the Church
The first opposition to the morning-time church was motivated by the spirit of unbelief. This spirit motivated the
pagan Roman Empire, as personalized by the Caesars, to raise up the sword of persecution against the church.
Nevertheless, persecution was of no avail to stop the progress of the church. In every period of time, when the church
was subject to persecution, it flourished. Persecution has never hindered the church. Throughout the Dark Ages, the
church was not a visible body, but as far as gaining converts and convincing a world, there were fifty to sixty million
martyrs. So, they must have been successful in convincing many. Although they were subjected to suffering and
martyrdom, Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him [the dragon] . . . [because] they loved not their lives unto
the death." It is hard to stop a man by threatening him with death when death is nothing more than a sweet release and
a speedy entry to Glory.
In World War II it was hard for the Americans to fight the Japanese. The Japanese kamikaze pilots were believers
in emperor worship. They worshiped the Emperor Hirohito. They believed there was no higher calling than for a man
to die in service to his Emperor, which was his god. If they could die in service, they believed that was a straight ticket
to the glory world. When they flew the planes, they did not care if they were shot down, as long as they could crash
on the deck of an enemy ship. It is hard to fight men like that. They did not care whether they lived or died. That was
the way the morning-time brethren were. They loved not their lives unto death. Death was not a penalty but a relief,
and because of that, persecution did not stymie, or stagnate, the growth of the church.
The saints endured martyrdom in such a way that it wrought converts. Look at the story of Stephen, the very first
Christian martyr. Acts 7:55-60 says: "But he [speaking of Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly

into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the
heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and
stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses
laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and
saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their
charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." The stoning of Stephen had a great bearing on that young man
named Saul. He never got away from the way that Stephen died. Although we do not live in an age of martyrdom, such
as it was in the second seal, the spirit that promoted it is still loose. If it were not for the laws of the land, there are
many who would kill the saints today just as they killed Stephen.
Drinking the "Cup of Suffering" With Joy
The way the church overcame was by the way they endured such suffering. The same spirit of unbelief that brought
persecution to the morning-time church is still working in the evening time. Revelation 16:13-14 says: "And I saw three
unclean spirits like frogs . . . which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world . . . ." One way we are
going to convince the gainsayer is the same way they did in the morning time: by the way that we handle persecution
and opposition. When they rail at you, if you rail right back at them, you are not going to convince them of a thing. If
they give you evil, and you render evil for evil, you are never going to convince them of a thing. In Romans 12:14 we
read, "Bless them which persecute you." Sometimes persecution is just a test to see if you have got the goods. A child
of God does not turn his wrath on the instrument of his suffering. Jesus did not. Luke 23:34 tells us what His attitude
was: "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." He manifested a right spirit. There was
something about His Spirit that after He died the hardened Roman centurion said in Mark 15:39, "Truly this man was
the Son of God." Why did he say that? Because Jesus died differently than anyone else the centurion had ever seen die.
When Stephen was being stoned to death, he said in Acts 7:60, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge."
Romans 12:14-21 tells us: "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do
rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend
to men of low estate [as long as Christians do not want to get their hands dirty, they are never going to save others].
Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil [two wrongs do not make a right]. Provide things
honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved,
avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the
Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of
fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." In the face of persecution, when people are
mistreating you, look for an opportunity to do something good to them. You will be surprised by the effect it will have
on them.
Go with me to Matthew 20:22. It says, "But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to
drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" Now, what cup was
He talking about? What baptism was He speaking of? In the garden Jesus prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let
this cup pass from me" (Matthew 26:39). The Bible margin says that it is the "Cup of Suffering." When Jesus asked
the disciples, "Are you able to drink this cup? Are you able to be baptized with this baptism?" He was speaking of the
"Cup of Suffering."
When Jesus was being seized, John 18:11 says, "Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the
cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" This is a clear indication of all the suffering that lay ahead
for Him. The morning-time church overcame because they were willing to drink of the "Cup of Suffering" joyfully,
not begrudgingly. Though the cup may have seemed bitter, there was a sufficiency of grace that enabled them to drink
the cup with joy. That joy showed forth and pierced through many hardened hearts, causing them to humble themselves
and gain the experience those martyrs had. God uses the sufferings of His people as an avenue to show the world the
grace of God. Oppositions are opportunities for the church to show the world something different.
Sufferings perfect spiritual character. The true steel of great men's souls has been forged in the heated fires of
adversity. In 1 Peter 5:10 we read, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." We, in our humanity, are
constantly trying to escape anything that is uncomfortable for the flesh. However, God sends adversity to perfect us

and to convince the world. By going through severity and hardship with a Christian attitude and spirit is how God's
people overcome the spirit of unbelief. The world does not believe because they have seen so many phonies. Therefore,
God allows the church to go through these things to convince the world and rid them of unbelief. God does not want
His church to escape suffering. He wants us to have sufficient grace to show to the world. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Jesus
said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." The morning-time church did not
look for the way of ease, the way of least resistance, but they stood firm.
Revelation 12:13 says, "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth . . . ." He was cast down from
that exalted position. Unbelief was cast down out of the minds of people who were saturated with unbelief. It is really
easy for people to be full of unbelief when they have not seen anything. However, when the world sees the grace of
God on display, the Gospel lived out by people who are sold out and willing to pay the utmost price, it is hard for
unbelief to thrive. The second-seal church cast out unbelief by giving people something to see, something to believe
in. Every time Christians look for a way of ease, they lose something. God lets suffering and opposition come our way
to help us and to prove our faith to others. When we, as God's people, let sufferings and trials work as they ought to
work, they will strengthen and prepare us and convince others. That is how that spirit of unbelief can be cast down.
This is how the morning-time brethren overcame this system, represented by the great red dragon, that was motivated
by the spirit of unbelief. May God help us to overcome the unbelief of this spirit in our day and truly give an
unbelieving world something that they may see to heal the power of unbelief.

CHAPTER SIX
THE THIRD SEAL

(A.D. 270-530)
Revelation 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And
I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three
measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
The Third Seal Portrayed by the Black Horse and His Rider
The Book of Revelation is written in symbolic language. When Revelation 6:5 speaks of a "black horse," it is
not speaking of a literal horse. This "horse" is merely a symbolic representation to convey a spiritual truth. In this third
seal there is a rider who sits upon this "black horse," with "a pair of balances in his hand," and he measures out
at a starvation rate: "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny." John was not
talking about literal "wheat" and literal "barley." These are figurative representations of truths.
This third seal begins in Revelation 6:5, which says, "And when he [The antecedent of the word he refers back
to Revelation 6:1, which talks about the Lamb. The Lamb is the noun that the pronoun 'he' refers to down throughout
these passages of Scripture text. Thus, only the Lamb, Jesus Christ, has the ability to loose the seals, or loose the
understanding of these precious truths.] had opened the third seal . . . ." As we begin to consider the "third seal,"
first we need to affix the time setting. The first seal was represented by the white horse–a picture of the Holy Spirit;
the second seal, as portrayed by the red horse, represented the spirit of unbelief that motivated the system of the pagan
Roman Empire. The "third seal" is portrayed by the "black horse" and his rider. It actually began in a transitional
period, this period from A.D. 270 to A.D. 530, the Smyrnaen age. It was a transitional age because it was a period of
time of going from spiritual light to darkness. It was the time of the decline of the pagan Roman Empire, which was
cast down by A.D. 270. Rome had been divided into ten minor kingdoms. (Wickersham's Church History verifies this
fact.)
As pagan Rome began to decline, there was another force the enemy put in its place–papal Rome. It was a force
and power to be reckoned with. However, the reins of control were not firmly established until A.D. 530. This system
was at its zenith from A.D. 530 to A.D. 1530. (Note: there is some overlapping in the workings of these spirits. You
cannot pull a page off of the calendar and say, "This is the day it started." Before each system was ever actually
formulated, there had to be a spirit working that would give rise to the system. The rise of the system was the full
implementation of the spirit, influencing and working on people until they formed a system.)
Previous to the Smyrnaen age, the brethren had overcome the dragon "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word
of their testimony; and [because] they loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11). They were able to cast
that dragon down. That dragon lost not only its spiritual hold on the people but its civil hold also. It became a power
that was no longer as viable and as influential as it once was under the Caesars. Thus, Rome broke up into the ten minor
kingdoms. That is why the great red dragon had seven heads and ten horns. Crowns were upon the heads (Revelation
12:3) because Rome in its pagan form had seven different heads of government.
When the papal beast arose, it had the same seven heads and ten horns. However, the crowns moved from the seven
heads to the ten horns (Revelation 13:1). Why? Because the political power was vested in those ten minor kingdoms
rather than being centralized in a Caesar. The political power was spread amongst the ten minor kingdoms that
comprised that empire. It then became the "holy" Roman Empire under the influence of the popes of Rome. The "black
horse" portrays the spirit that gave rise to this system, and by A.D. 530 papal Rome had become firmly entrenched
and had effectively seized the reins of power.
In A.D. 530 Boniface II was regarded as the first universal bishop with universal sway and authority. Thus began
the more particular rule of Roman Catholicism, headed by the Pope who was revered in a worldwide manner in A.D.
530. How do we know that this third seal has any correlation with the Dark Ages? First of all, when we study these
seals, keep in mind that the seal is the Spirit of God giving understanding. Each of these horses portrays spirits, and
the very color depicted by the horse denotes the type of spirit that was working and the message it proclaimed. So,

when we begin to consider this "black horse," we see there is a correlation between the "black horse" and the Dark
Ages.
The spirit that this "black horse" represents is the same spirit that produced the Dark Ages. This spirit was
actually working from A.D. 270 to A.D. 530. It was working before the Dark Ages ensued because this was the spirit
that promoted and produced the Dark Ages. So its proper placement is in the second period of time because this series
is not dealing predominately with the systems but rather with the spirits that produced these systems. Every system of
religion is produced by a spirit. First Timothy 4:1 declares, ". . . giving heed to seducing spirits [this occurs first], and
doctrines of devils." This is the outgrowth of what these spirits produce–doctrines, or doctrinal systems.
What is the spirit that is being portrayed by this "black horse"? We need to know because we are confronted by
that same spirit working now in the evening time. The spirit that produced that dark age is loose today in the form of
one of the "three unclean spirits like frogs" (Revelation 16:13). Look at our Scripture text. Revelation 6:5 states, "And
when he [the Lamb] had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say [the Greek actually says the 'third living
creature'] . . . ." This verse gives insight as to what the prevailing conditions were that the church had to contend with.
The Third Living Creature
Let us go back to Revelation, Chapter 4, to see what the third living creature was. The King James version calls
these living creatures "beasts," but the actual Greek word is zoon, which means "living creature." Ezekiel, Chapter 1,
refers to them as "living creatures." They are a figurative expression of the redeemed of all ages. Revelation 5:8-9 tells
us: "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having
every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints. [If these beasts and elders
had the prayers of saints, what does that make them? It makes them saints, because there is no one who has the prayers
of saints but the saints.] And they [Who? The four beasts and four and twenty elders.] sung a new song, saying, Thou
art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us . . . ." So, these
four beasts, or living creatures, are a picture of the redeemed.
Revelation 4:7 identifies these four living creatures. It says, "And the first beast was like a lion [a type of the
church in the morning time], and the second beast like a calf [representing the time when the people of God had to take
on a sacrificial, calf-like nature, a time when they were under persecution], and the third beast had a face as a
man . . . ." Here was an era of time when the church was subjected to man rule, a time when men would usurp
authority. As our Scripture text declares, they took the "balances" out of God's hands and placed them in their own
hands. They took control of the nominal church. This era of time is best represented by a man.
Second Thessalonians, Chapter 2, warns that in this period of time, that would ultimately lead to the Dark Ages,
the people of God were fighting against a spirit that would develop a system to where there would be a man sitting in
the temple of God, opposing and exalting himself above all that was called God, and saying that he was God (2
Thessalonians 2:4). For a thousand dark years, from A.D. 530 to A.D. 1530, the saints had to contend with that
prevailing condition. The cry of the day was "be Catholic or die." For years part of the Latin mass was the phrase
Dominus Deus Nostra Papa, which means "Our Lord God the Pope." So the church became subjected to a period of
time when the prevailing, predominate condition was man in control.
The Black Horse
To understand why a "black horse" is used to portray this spirit, let us go to Zechariah 6:6. It says, "The black
horses which are therein go forth into the north country . . . ." Here is another reason why we know that this third seal
began to work in the second period of time. The second candlestick age was a transitional period, a time when apostasy
was well on its way to instituting spiritual coldness and deadness by completely eradicating the voice of the Spirit. Yet,
this did not fully happen until they reached the north country and the Dark Ages commenced.
The north country represents a cold condition. Geographically, as you move into a colder climate, conditions tend
to become more barren. The farther you go north and the colder it becomes, the more barren it becomes. After one is
in this condition for a while, one can adjust to it, and that is exactly what happened during the transition period. People
became adjusted to a cold spiritual condition, and a dark age came in. Rather than rise up against it, they became

comfortable with it. Malachi 4:2 says that Christ "the Sun of righteousness [would] arise." Jesus said, "I Jesus . . . am
. . . the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16).
When the morning came forth, it came forth with the brilliance of dazzling morning glory. However, Amos'
prophecy spoke of an eclipse at noon. The sun became darkened in a clear day, and the sun went down at noon (Amos
8:9). Here was a picture of a spiritual eclipse. If an eclipse takes place for a very long period of time, coldness moves
in; life is hindered; fruitfulness is effected. This is what happened when this clear day, the Gospel Day, became
darkened. In this dark age, a cold spiritual condition had set in, and barrenness began to work.
When Zechariah 6:6 says that "the black horses which are therein go forth into the north country," it is telling us
that this is a spirit that produces coldness and deadness. If this spirit gets hold of people, it will take them to the north
country. Zechariah 6:8 says, "Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north
country have quieted my spirit in the north country." Here we gain insight as to how this spirit takes people into
spiritual darkness. The Holy Spirit is the Agent that brings light and understanding. When people allow another spirit
to work on them that quiets God's Spirit, it will not be long until they will be in darkness.
Let us consider this "black horse." Nothing is darker than black. The color of this horse portrays darkness. It was
the spirit of apostasy. That spirit of apostasy is the spirit that tries to quiet God's Spirit. The reason this spirit wants
to quiet God's Spirit is that the Spirit of God is the Agent that brings light and understanding. Jesus, speaking in John
6:45, said, "It is written in the prophets [Isaiah 54:13], And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that
hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." Jesus said that "they shall be all taught of God." To see
what agency God uses to teach His people, go to John 14:26. It says, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name, he [the Holy Ghost] shall teach you all things." The Christian is only taught
of God as the Holy Ghost teaches him.
John 16:13-15 states: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth [John 15:26 calls Him 'the Comforter'], is come, he will
guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will
shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that
the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you." The Holy Spirit is the
Agent that God uses to teach His people.
The Holy Spirit is actually God. The Triune Godhead consists of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy
Ghost. Every one of them is God. The Holy Ghost is as much God as any other personality of the Godhead. Look at
Acts 5:3. It says, "But Peter said, Ananias, why hast Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?" Then Acts 5:4
states, "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou
conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." In verse 3 Peter said, "You have lied
to the Holy Ghost," and in verse 4 he said, "You have lied to God." That shows that the Holy Ghost is God.
The Holy Spirit has a job, and John 16:13 tells us what that job is: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak . . . ."
As long as Jesus Christ continues to speak, the Holy Ghost is going to continue to convey it to hearts and give
understanding. As long as time stands, the Holy Ghost is going to keep speaking to the church. This is why seven times
in the Revelation Jesus said, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
God's Spirit is the source of light. When people quiet that Spirit, they are going to be in darkness. The first record
of the Spirit of God moving on the scene is found in Genesis 1:1-2: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the
earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God
moved upon the face of the waters." The Spirit of God was brought on the scene when there was darkness. Genesis 1:3
says, "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Now, this was before the sun and the moon were created.
They were not created until the fourth day. What was the light for the first three days?
Ephesians 1:17-18 tells us: "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened." To properly
see, physically, light has to fall on the object and on the eye. The Holy Spirit sheds light on the object, which is the
Word of God, and then enlightens our understanding to where we can perceive the truth of it. The real light is contained
in the Word, but we are enlightened through the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 2:13 says, "Which things also we speak,
not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth." The Holy Ghost is the Teacher.
This spirit, portrayed by the "black horse," is black not because the Spirit of God was not speaking but because
in this era of time people had quieted God's Spirit. He was enlightening them, but they would not walk in the light. So,

a dark night set in. This particular spirit is portrayed as a "black horse," because there is no greater darkness than
having once had light. There is no greater darkness than losing the light after having once been able to see. This "black
horse" portrays the spirit of apostasy, and the reason it is so black and so dark is that it represents a people who once
had glorious, bright light. Yet, they refused to keep pace with that light, and they refused to measure to those truths.
Nevertheless, they wanted to keep professing religion right over top of it. Thus, they quieted God's Spirit and took on
a spirit of apostasy.
John 12:35 tells us, "Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the
light [why?], lest darkness come upon you." Light is progressive. It is ever unfolding. The Holy Spirit continues to
speak; as He continues to speak, we need to continue to hear; as we hear, we need to walk. There is a sin unto death
that John says there is no use praying for (1 John 5:16). In the Old Testament, Saul got to that point. God came to
Samuel and said, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?" (1 Samuel
16:1). In other words, God was saying, "Quit your mourning." God can get fed up to where He says, "That is enough!"
In Luke 11:35 we read, "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness."
The very light that God has ordained to save us, if we do not walk in it, can damn us. It can cause us to be in greater
darkness than we ever would have been because we were privileged to have had light. The Prophet in Joel 2:2 called
the Dark Ages "a day of darkness . . . a day of . . . thick darkness." In Exodus, when the plague of darkness came, the
darkness was so thick they could feel it (Exodus 10:21-22). Also, the Dark Ages were so dark that there was not a man,
woman, or child who did not feel its effect.
Roman Catholicism Came Up Out of the Sea
The spirit of the "black horse" is actually a spirit of apostasy. The results of this spirit was a people who failed
to listen to the Spirit of God. Instead of wanting divine direction, the people of this era wanted to direct their own
course. The spirit behind this apostasy, which produced the system of Roman Catholicism, was working in 3 John 9-10.
It says: "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence [The system of Roman
Catholicism is built on a spirit of preeminence. The priests are all preeminent to the people. Then over the priests are
the bishops, over the bishops are the archbishops, over the archbishops are the cardinals, and over the cardinals is the
Pope.] among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against
us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them
that would, and casteth them out of the church."
Two prominent things that are found in Roman Catholicism were working right back there: preeminence and
excommunication. John was a man of God; he was that beloved disciple who leaned on Jesus' breast. He received the
Revelation on the Isle of Patmos. Yet, when John felt impressed of the Spirit to come to that congregation, Diotrephes
said, "You are not coming." He quieted God's Spirit when he refused to allow John to come.
Go to Revelation 8:8. It reads, "And the second angel sounded [this angel was in this transition period, A.D. 270-
530], and as it were a great mountain [here is a dual figure; Hebrews, Chapter 12, talks about that great mountain
burning with fire, which was Mount Sinai–a place where the presence of God was and where the trumpet was sounded,
a place where they heard the voice of God; then, verse 22 speaks of Mount Sion, a figurative expression of the
morning-time church] burning with fire was cast into the sea." If a literal mountain burning with fire is cast into the
sea, the sea extinguishes the fire. In the Revelation the sea is a symbolic representation of people (Revelation 17:15
and Isaiah 57:20). Anytime people control things, it will put the fire out. When a pastor is controlled by the people,
there will not be any fire left. When people control the church, an apostasy is the end result.
Revelation 8:8 is a picture of the morning-time apostasy. From the sea that this great mountain was cast into came
the papal beast (Revelation 13:1). Most of that church which had once been on fire, enjoying the presence and power
of God, and hearing the voice of God in a clear, plain manner fell out of the control of God's hands and into the hands
of men. Out of the minds of these men came the religious system known as Roman Catholicism. Roman Catholicism
did not come down from God out of Heaven, but it came up out of that same sea that the mountain burning with fire
was cast into–an apostasy. Roman Catholicism claims to be the Church of God. That is partially right for they are the
backslidden Church of God.

Revelation 8:8 describes this mountain as "burning with fire." The symbol of fire is representative of God. Hebrews
12:29 tells us that our God is a consuming fire. Moses saw a bush on fire (Exodus 3:2)–a symbol of the presence of
God. When Elijah wanted to prove who the Lord was, he called down fire (1 Kings 18:37-38).
How did that which had been the morning-time church fall out of the hands of God and into the hands of men? It
happened the same way anyone, individually or collectively, backslides. They quit listening to the Spirit. When He
tried to speak, they quieted Him. To fall away from truth, people have to step over the Holy Ghost. There is no one who
does wrong without first bring confronted by the Holy Ghost. To apostatize and keep professing right over the top of
it, people must have "their conscience seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2). Apostasy is a defection from the truth;
in reality, backsliding, but being under a deception by the spirit of apostasy to where one continues to profess and is
deceived into thinking that he or she is all right. That is how these people became infected with the "black horse"
spirit. This is how they could do terrible things supposedly in the name of Christianity.
Of all the sins in the world, the only sin that is unpardonable is the sin against the Holy Ghost. In Matthew 12:31
Jesus said, "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy
against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." Blasphemy is claiming equality with God. Jesus was accused
of blasphemy because He claimed to be the Son of God (John 10:36). Although their definition of blasphemy was right,
their object of blasphemy was wrong because Jesus was the Son of God. Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is refusing
to walk in the way He shows us, claiming equality, claiming that we know as well or better than He does what we
should do, how we should live, and what course, or stand, we should take.
People can grieve the Holy Ghost to the place where they seal themselves. John said there is no need to pray when
someone gets to that point, for it is a sin unto death. Read 1 John 5:16: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is
not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. [In other words, he has not
sinned beyond redemption's point. He has not blasphemed the Holy Ghost. If he will humble himself and ask to be
forgiven, life can be given back to him.] There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it."
This is dealing with men who have committed the unpardonable sin. In reality, they are just the same as dead and
in hell; they have already crossed the line. There is no use to even pray for one in that condition. In Malachi 1:2-3 God
said: "I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau." Esau sought with tears for a place of repentance but did not find one (Hebrews
12:17). He sinned a sin unto death, and God was done with him. Genesis 6:3 tells us, "And the LORD said, My spirit
shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." God's
patience was just about done. At the end of that 120 years, He destroyed the whole world with the exception of eight
people. History tells us there was about eight million people in that day. So, only one out of a million was saved.
Saul also went past the point of no return. First Samuel 16:1 tells us, "And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long
wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will
send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite . . . ." God had rejected Saul. Belshazzar was told in Daniel 5:27, "TEKEL; Thou
art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting." Did he have another chance or opportunity? No! Daniel 5:30 says,
"In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain." He had passed the point of no return. Israel, as a nation,
did the same thing. Jesus, speaking to them in Luke 19:44, said, "And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy
children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy
visitation." They were never visited again as they had been visited with Christ.
Apostasy Begins Within
Next, let us look at how this darkness, or apostasy, began to work. How could people who once had light be content
with darkness? The Apostle Paul prophesied of this in his farewell to the Ephesian brethren. In Acts 20:29-30 he said:
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your
own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Many times an apostasy
begins when people, right in the midst of the true church, who should have a knowledge and understanding of truth,
begin speaking "perverse things" (Acts 20:30).
What causes people to start speaking perverse things? Before anyone ever begins to start speaking things that are
false and contrary to truth, something has to take place internally first. People do not just do perverse things. They do
what they do because of the spirit that motivates them. Their spirit has to be perverted first. Go to 1 Timothy 4:1. It
says, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times [and we are in them] some shall depart from the faith

[why?], giving heed to seducing spirits . . . ." Often people are seduced without even knowing it. They think they are
standing for truth; they think they are just like they always were. But they are just like Samson. He "wist not that the
LORD was departed from him" (Judges 16:20).
Notice how this apostasy began to work. It did not start from without the church. No force that has ever come
against the church from without has been successful. Every time the enemy accomplished anything, it was because of
something that started from within. It worked through people who had influence, people who at one time knew truth,
but their spirit changed. Paul, prophesying in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, said: "For the time will come [and the time has come]
when they will not endure sound [healthy, wholesome] doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
Before they ever turned from truth to fables, their spirit had to change. That is how this spirit of apostasy began
to work. All the brethren who wrote the epistles saw it coming. Peter saw it, and he wrote in 2 Peter 2:1, "But there
were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you [Peter was addressing the
Church of God], who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them . . . ." They
denied the Lord by refusing His lordship in their lives. It was their lives that denied Him. Titus 1:16 declares, "They
profess that they know God; but in works they deny him." It is not with the words that they speak, but it is with their
actions, by the lives that they live that they actually deny Him. They do not deny His existence, but they deny His
lordship–His claim on their lives–by the way that they live.
Spirit of Apostasy Portrayed by a Black Horse
Second Peter 2:2-3 says: "And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall
be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment
now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." When this spirit of apostasy, portrayed by the
"black horse," was loosed in a feverish manner, it gave rise to a system, and that system worked through words and
teachings to make merchandise out of the souls of mankind.
Jude 3 says, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me
to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints." Notice that Jude employed the past tense: "once delivered." Why? Because there was a spirit of apostasy loose
when Jude wrote this. God delivered the truth to the saints, but the move of an apostate spirit came along and tried to
say that God gave truth only to the priests and the Pope. This system took the Word of God out of man's hands and
chained it to the pulpit for a thousand years. During this dark age, from A.D. 530 to A.D. 1530, the common man could
not have a Bible. Even if he could get hold of one, he could not read it for it was written in Latin. When Martin Luther,
a monk, wanted to read the Bible, he had to go to the library where it was chained to a pulpit.
Christ delivered the truth to the saints (Jude 3), but when this spirit of apostasy moved in, the Catholic Church took
it away from the saints. They told them, "You cannot understand it. There is no use of you reading that." So, the priests
and the popes took a preeminent position and started teaching things that were feigned words. They began making
merchandise out of the souls of men. We read in Jude 4, "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before
of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, [These men who
crept in had a change of spirit or nature. They were turning the grace of God into a license for loose living.] and
denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Through their works, through the manner in which they lived,
they denied His lordship of their lives. Ones cannot have Jesus as Lord and then live loosely. His lordship will do away
with looseness, or looseness will do away with His lordship. I want you to see why this spirit is portrayed by this
"black horse."
In reference to these ungodly men who crept in, Jude 13 calls them, "Raging waves of the sea, [They are always
raging. They always have a pet doctrine that they have to peddle. They always seem to have more understanding than
everybody else. However, it does not line up with truth.] foaming out their own shame; wandering stars [they are
wandering stars because you never know where they are going to be; you never know where they are going to stand],
to whom is reserved the blackness . . . ." Here we are back to this black spirit of apostasy.
Hebrews 6:4-6 says: "For it is impossible for those who were once [past tense] enlightened and have tasted [past
tense] of the heavenly gift, and were made [past tense] partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted [past tense] the
good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance

. . . ." It is impossible to renew people who have fallen away because they still think they are new. It is impossible to
help someone who does not think that he needs any help. Before one can ever be saved, he must first realize that he
is lost. This is why it is an unpardonable sin, for they think they have no sin from which they need pardoned.
The words "fall away" in Hebrews 6:6 are translated from the Greek word parapipto, which means "to fall aside"
or "apostatize." Paul prophesied of a falling away in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. He said, "Let no man deceive you [all that
a deceived man can do is deceive someone else] by any means: for that day [speaking of the Second Advent] shall not
come, except there come a falling away first, [Falling away in the Greek is apostasia, which means, 'a defection from
truth' or 'an apostasy.' It is the root word of the English word apostasy. An apostasy is defined as 'an abandoning of
what one has believed in, as a faith.'] and that the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." This refers to verse
5 of our Scripture text, which says he "had a pair of balances in his hand." If we look at what he had and what he
does, we can see who he is. Just as a natural horse upholds and conveys its rider, the rider of the "black horse" is the
human representation upheld by this spirit. First of all, the "balances" did not belong "in his hand." That in itself
is a result of the apostasy.
God never ordained that any man put people in or out of the church. Certainly, God has order in the church, but
when it comes to the spiritual structure of the actual body of Christ, man cannot put you in it and man cannot put you
out. Salvation makes you a member, and sin puts you out. Yet, here was one who presumed to take the "balances in
his [own] hand." If people did not do what he said, they were put out. They called it excommunication.
Third John 9-10 says: "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them,
receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come [it made no difference whether Diotrephes wanted him or not, if God said go,
John was going to go], I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not
content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out
of the church." Here is the first biblical record of excommunication. Notice that it came from a man who had a
preeminent spirit.
Although God puts men in authority, a true man of God does not take any delight in exerting that authority. He will
do it very reluctantly, only when he has to. However, these men were of a totally different spirit. They loved
preeminence. That same spirit worked in the Pharisees. They loved to stand on the street corners "and for a pretence
make long prayer" (Matthew 23:14). Jesus said to not let any man call you "Rabbi" or "father" (Matthew 23:8-9).
However, this very spirit that produced the system of Roman Catholicism insists on people calling the priests "Father."
The Balances Belong in God's Hand
The very fact that the "balances" are in the rider's "hand" is the outgrowth of an apostasy. They did not belong
in his hand. The "balances" do not belong in any man's hand. God has a divine order, and the "balances" are in His
hand. Those whom God puts in divine positions act in response to the measurement that God measures and reveals
through discernment as to who is who and what is what. In 1 Samuel 2:2-3 we read: "There is none holy as the LORD :
for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not
arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him [God] actions are weighed." The
"balances" are in His hand, and He looks past man's attempts and failures to the intent of the heart.
In Proverbs 16:2 we read, "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes [often there is no one who thinks he
is doing wrong]; but the LORD weigheth the spirits." Ananias and Sapphira sold their land and brought the money to
the Apostles. They thought they were really something, but God had already weighed their spirits. Their spirits, their
motives, and their intentions were wrong. God had already weighed them, pronounced sentence, and put judgment on
them (Acts 5:1-11).
Proverbs 16:11 says, "A just weight and balance are the LORD 'S : all the weights of the bag are his work." God is
the One who needs to weigh because He is the only One who is truly just; He is the only One who has all the facts.
When this "he" (Revelation 6:5) took the "balances" out of God's hand and put them in his, he was taking the place
of God. That is exactly what the popes of Rome have done. They have set themselves up in God's place, and God is
against it. Now, I am not speaking with disrespect to the man, but I am speaking of that office that he holds, that system
that he represents, and the spirit that motivates him. All of that is contrary to God's Word, and it is damning millions
of souls. That system is the wealthiest religious system on the face of the globe. Yet, it does not have any light, or truth,
in it.

Isaiah 26:7 says, "The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just." Who
weighs the path of the just? The "most upright"–God. We read in Daniel 5:27, "TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the
balances, and art found wanting." Belshazzar was weighed in the balances and found wanting. Who measured it out?
Who weighed the balances that night? God did. Biblically speaking, the "balances" belong in God's hand.
In our Scripture text we find a man who had the "balances" in his own "hand." Now, who is this man? He is the
one whom Paul referred to as the "man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). One of the Pope's titles is God. History tells
us that Tetzel came selling indulgences in the sixteenth century, saying, "The Lord God has ceased to reign, and given
all power over to the Pope." That is a lie! The Revelator said, "The Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Revelation 19:6).
He has never abdicated His throne nor given His power to anyone.
Revelation 13:18 says, "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast [what is
it?]: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." Many are looking for some
antichrist to come in the future. Many believe that unless you have a number on the forehead and on the hand, you are
not going to be able to buy groceries and other things. However, that is not what this Scripture text is teaching. The
number is a number of a man. One man wears this number, not everybody else. Read Revelation 13:17 closely, and
you will see there is a distinction between the mark and the number. They represent two different things.
"A False Balance Is Abomination to the LORD "
Let us look at the number 666. On the front of the triple crown that the popes of Rome wear is an inscription that
says in Latin VICARIUS FILII DEI. This translates as Vicar of the Son of God. If you ascribe Roman numeric
expressions to each letter, V or U equals five; I equals one; C equals one hundred; L equals fifty; and D equals five
hundred. (Some letters have no numerical signification.) The numerical designation of VICARIUS FILII DEI comes
out to exactly 666. Only one man is allowed to wear that crown, and he is the Pope of Rome. So the number of the
beast is the number of a man, the Pope. He is the head of a system that is damning millions.
V = 5 F = 0
I = 1 I = 1
C = 100 L = 50
A = 0 I = 1
R = 0 I = 1
I = 1 D = 500
U = 5 E = 0
S = 0 I = 1
112 554
Total: 112 + 554 = 666
So we see that this man of sin, the man who usurps authority and presumes to take the "balances in his [own]
hands," is a picture of the Pope of Rome. He has a "pair of balances in his hand," but it is a false balance. He is not
using them correctly. How do we know he is not using the "balances" correctly? Look at Revelation 6:6. It says,
"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures
of barley for a penny . . . ." The actual Greek says, "A Chenix of Wheat for a Denarius, and three Chenices of Barley
for a Denarius" (The Emphatic Diaglott). What this is actually showing us is a famine, food being sold at a starvation
rate.
The "penny," or the Greek Denarius, was the ordinary wages of a laborer for a whole day. Matthew 20:2 says,
"And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard." This "measure," a
Chenix of wheat, was the usual daily allowance of food for one man. To work all day to buy enough food for one man
for one day is an inflated rate, a starvation rate. How could a man feed his family if he had to work all day just to make
enough to barely sustain his own self? This shows an enormous price placed on the necessities of life (about twenty
times greater than normal).

The false balance, produced by this system, places an undue and unfair burden on men. It then makes merchandise
out of them. One way that is done is by telling the people, "I can hear the screams of your dear, departed loved one in
purgatory." Because the people do not have enough spiritual understanding (they do not understand that there is no
purgatory), they believe this lie. Then the supposed church begins placing demands on the people. They say, "We will
light some candles and we will pray and maybe we can get them out of purgatory. If you will pay money, then we will
have a low mass." Often the priest goes through the motions, then he comes back and says, "I am really sorry. I tried,
but I still hear them screaming in purgatory. The low mass did not work. We will have to have a high mass." High mass
means more money. Thus, because the people do not have an understanding of truth, "they with feigned words make
merchandise" out of the souls of men (2 Peter 2:3).
Job 31:6 says, "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity." God's balance is an
even balance. He knows what an individual is capable of, and He will not require any more than that. He will never
ask you to do what you cannot do. Proverbs 11:1 states, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD ." Divers, or
different, weights are holding people to a different standard because of who they are. Jude talks about it in this way.
Jude 16 says, "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great
swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. So, because some people can do more for
the supposed church than someone else can, a different weight, or balance, is used for them.
Proverbs 20:23 goes on to say that "a false balance is not good." Why are the "balances" that Roman Catholicism
and the popes hold false? and are we sure it is the papacy that holds them? Hosea 12:7 states, "He is a merchant, the
balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress." The "balances" are false because they desire to deceive. They
are merchantmen, and their intent is to make merchandise out of the souls of men. Hosea said, "He loveth to oppress."
If you study the Dark Ages, you will find that the cry was to "be Catholic or die." In that era of time, somewhere
between fifty and sixty million people were martyred. Through the years men who dared to try to translate the Bible
into the common language were executed as criminals in the most horrible ways.
Making Merchandise Out of Men's Souls
These "balances" are false because the spirit behind it is the spirit of a person who is deceived, and all a deceived
person can do is deceive someone else. Amos 8:4-5 states: "Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy [this religious
system swallows up the needy], even to make the poor of the land to fail, Saying, When will the new moon be gone,
that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small [here is another reference
to the wheat being measured in small quantities], and the shekel great [this is what this religious system is truly
interested in–making the shekel great; they are not interested in truth, but gain], and falsifying the balances by deceit?"
They deceive souls so that they can make merchandise of people. Hosea 12:7 says, "He is a merchant." Is he? Is this
system truly making merchandise of people?
We read in 2 Peter 2:3, "And through covetousness [or greediness] shall they with feigned words make
merchandise of you." Peter was prophesying of the very system that the Pope is back of, a system that makes
merchandise of the people and spiritually starves them. To be sure of that, all you have to do is study a little history.
In the 1500s, the Roman Catholic Church wanted to build what is now called Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. They
needed to derive the revenue to build that great edifice. So they raised that money by selling indulgences.
A man named Johann Tetzel went throughout Germany selling indulgences. He told people, "If you will buy one
of these indulgences, it will forgive your sins, and if you pay enough, we will even forgive the sins you are going to
commit." He played on people's sympathies, saying, "If you have a relative in purgatory, if you pay the money, your
relative will come out of purgatory." They even had a little saying: "When the money into the can does drop, then the
souls from purgatory will hop." That is a lie to the core! That is making merchandise out of the souls of men. In
essence, they were saying, "If you pay enough, we will not only forgive what you have done, we will even give you
a ticket to go and sin some more." That is what stirred Martin Luther to commence the Reformation. He hung the
ninety-five theses from the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
The cost of Saint Peter's Basilica was the souls of men. It was built with blood money. There is not a beautiful thing
about it when you consider that people put their trust in indulgences and when they died, they went deceived into a
Christless eternity. Let us look where souls rank in importance in all of this. Revelation 18:12-13 tells us: "The
merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet,

and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and
iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and
wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and [last of all] souls of men." They are not
interested in the souls of men. They are interested in what they can gain monetarily.
When John talked about "a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny"
(Revelation 6:6), he was talking about a spiritual famine in the land. Notice a couple of things about this Scripture
passage. There was three times as much falsity as there was any truth. Only one "measure of wheat" to three
"measures of barley." This famine of the Word started when they "quieted my Spirit" (Zechariah 6:8).
We read in Amos 8:9-11: "And it shall come to pass in that day [a prophetic expression of the Gospel Day, this
Christian dispensation], saith the Lord GOD , that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth
in the clear day: And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up
sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end
thereof as a bitter day. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD , that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine
of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD ."
There was a spiritual famine in this dark age. The Word of God was put out at a starvation rate. They took unfair
advantage of the people and thus made merchandise of them. The indulgences are only one example. By using the
desire that people had for spiritual security, by pilfering them of their money to build Saint Peter's Basilica, they were
using a false balance.
What does the Bible mean when it talks about making merchandise? Merchandise is a means to an end. In business,
merchandise is for one thing: to make money. Sad to say, that is the way this system uses people. They are not really
interested in the people's spiritual welfare, but they view them as a way to make money. Even today they have more
bingo games than prayer meetings.
God's True Measuring Stick Is the Word
The Bible calls the system that was promoted and produced by this spirit a "beast" because of its nature. The spirit
has never changed. It does not have any tolerance for truth. If you and I measure our own selves, it will be a false
balance. Second Corinthians 10:12-13 says: "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among
themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule
which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you."
We are not to measure ourselves by ourselves but by "the rule which God hath distributed" (2 Corinthians 10:13).
God has given His Word to measure man. That is the rule; that is the measuring reed like a rod. Revelation 11:1 tells
us, "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise and measure . . . ." To understand
what this reed like unto a rod was, go back to Revelation 10:9. It says, "And I went unto the angel, and said unto him,
Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be
in thy mouth sweet as honey." The "reed like unto a rod" was this little book.
What was this little book? Go back to Ezekiel 3:1-4. It states: "Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou
findest; eat this roll [the Hebrew says 'scroll'], and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he
caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll
that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man,
go get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them." The scroll, or the book, that John was told
to eat was God's Word. Micah 6:9 says, "The LORD 's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy
name: hear ye the rod . . . ." The rod is the Lord's voice, the Word. That is how God measures–with the Word. Micah
7:14 states, "Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage." What was he to feed the flock with? The Word.
So the rod, God's true measuring stick, is God's Word.
The last part of Revelation 6:6 says, ". . . and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." That tells us even in the
midst of this dark night of apostasy, "the oil and the wine" (the Spirit and the Word) could not be hurt. The true
church was not eliminated. Revelation 12:6 tells us that "she hath a place prepared of God" where He hid her–in the
catacombs and caves. We know God had a people during this time, for fifty to sixty million saints were martyred. The
opposition could not stop "the oil and the wine." It may have gone underground, but they could not stop its flow.

Let us look at the interpretation of "the oil and the wine." Oil was used to anoint kings in the Old Testament, and
it is typical of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. After King Saul was anointed, the Spirit of God came upon him, and
he became another man (1 Samuel 10:1-9). Oil, in the Old Testament tabernacle, was what kept the lights burning, and
it is that golden oil, the Holy Spirit, that keeps hearts and lives spiritually on fire, acting as lights to a lost and sin-
benighted world. Wine is that which is produced by the vine. Jesus said in John 15:1, "I am the true vine." So this
"wine" is a picture of that which Christ produced for man to partake of, the food for the soul, the bread from Heaven,
the Word of God.
Although Rome tried to destroy all the Bibles, God preserved His Word and handed it on down to us. God still had
a plan. Even when it seemed that the enemy was fully in control, God still had a plan, and He preserved a people
through that period of time. For 1260 years the two witnesses, the Word and the Spirit, were in sackcloth; yet they kept
right on going, filling their role (Revelation 11:3).
Who does the Bible say these two witnesses are? Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness" (Matthew 24:14). The Roman letter teaches that "the Spirit itself beareth witness"
(Romans 8:16). Those two witnesses are the Word and the Spirit, the two true vicars of the church. Revelation 11:4
says, "These are the two olive trees." Zechariah saw a picture of the church in the symbol of a golden candlestick. (The
candlestick is the church–Revelation 1:20.) On each side of that golden candlestick were the two olive trees pumping
the golden oil to keep the golden lampstand, the candlestick, shining (Zechariah 4:2-3). The two olive trees that kept
the church functional were the Word and the Spirit. Right in the midst of this apostasy, God had a church, a people,
hid away. It was not visible during this time; it was not in public view, but the people were being sustained.
In Revelation, Chapter 12, is a picture, in symbolic expressions, of the church being hid away. Verse 6 tells us,
"And the woman [a picture of the morning-time church] fled into the wilderness [representing a place of special, divine,
providential protection and revelation], where she hath a place prepared of God, that they ["the oil and the wine,"
the Spirit and the Word] should feed her there [how long?] a thousand two hundred and threescore days [or from A.D.
270 to A.D. 1530]." God had a special position prepared to feed and nourish the church. Revelation 12:14 says, "And
to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle [they thought they had her down, but she mounted up with wings
of an eagle], that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished . . . ." What is she nourished
with? "The oil and the wine." The Spirit and the Word are what nourishes the church.
This "third seal" (verse 5) represents the period of time A.D. 270-530, a time symbolized by a "black horse,"
a time when the spirit of apostasy was loosed and working. That gave rise to a period of time that became known as
the Dark Ages.

CHAPTER SIX
THE FOURTH SEAL

(A.D. 530-1530)
Revelation 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come
and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed
with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with
hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
The Fourth Seal Represented by the Pale Horse
The opening of the "fourth seal" introduces the "pale horse." This is a very important seal. The appearance of
this "horse," or of this spirit that it represents, is most deceptive because it appears to be close in its appearance to
the white horse, which portrays the opening of the first seal. There is not much deception in the black horse for its
appearance is 100 percent in contrast to the white horse. As we begin to study the spirit represented by this "pale
horse," we will see that it is a most deceptive spirit. It has an appearance that looks right; it has teachings that sound
right; it has manners of operation that appear right. Yet, the end result of it is spiritual death.
In our Scripture text, Christ was trying to convey a most important lesson through the figure of this "pale horse."
In Revelation 6:7 the writer declared, "And when he had opened the fourth seal . . . ." The antecedent of that word
"he" reverts us right back to Revelation 6:1, which says, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals . . . ."
Understanding only comes through the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Understanding does not merely come through reading or
hearing this book. It might be well to be reminded that in the Revelation we are dealing in terms that are symbolic
expressions. Revelation 1:1, speaking of this Revelation message, says that "he sent and signified it," which means
"revealed by signs," or by symbols.
These horses do not represent physical horses, and these swords do not represent literal articles of warfare. They
are representing spiritual truths. They are representing a message of truth that Christ is trying to convey to you and me
by using the vehicle of symbolic representation. There is a message here for us, because the spirit of this "pale horse"
is loose yet today, and sad to say, it works right around too many Church of God congregations. Unless God's people
understand what this spirit is and how it works, we can fall prey to that same spirit. Many people over the world already
have.
As we look into Revelation 6:7, bear in mind this opening of the "fourth seal" merely means that Christ was the
One who prevailed to loose the "seal." He was the One who gave the authority and said that it was time. The "seal"
is the Holy Spirit of God. Let us see who the Bible says the "seal" is. Ephesians 1:13 says, "In whom ye also trusted,
after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed
with that holy Spirit . . . ." What is the "seal"? The "seal" is the Holy Spirit. Paul reiterated the same truth in
Ephesians 4:30, which says, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed . . . ." Again, the "seal"
is the Holy Spirit.
When Revelation talks about the "seal" being "opened," it means nothing more than a portrayal, in figurative
expressions, of the Spirit of God bringing understanding. Jesus plainly stated in John 16:13-14: "Howbeit when he,
the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall
hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and
shall shew it unto you." The Lamb opens the seals when He sees the time is right for truth to go forth and understanding
to be given. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:12, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them
now." In other words, the time was not right. It was still truth, but the time was not right for them to understand that
truth. When Christ saw that the time was right, then He spoke, and as He spoke, the Holy Ghost heard. Then, as the
Holy Ghost heard, He "shall shew it unto you" (John 16:14).
The Apostle Paul declared in Ephesians 1:17-18: "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may
give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being
enlightened . . . ." When do the eyes of your understanding become enlightened? When the Spirit of revelation brings
it to you. When does He bring it to you? When Jesus Christ sees that it is time for your understanding to be opened.

When understanding is opened, what does He open it for? What does He open understanding concerning? Referring
to Jesus walking with the brethren to Emmaus, Luke 24:32 says, "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn
within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" When Christ sees the time
is right, He looses the Holy Spirit (who is the "seal"), which in this case was personified in Jesus Christ, to open an
understanding of the Scriptures. We can be sure of that because Luke 24:45 says, "Then opened he their understanding,
that they might understand the scriptures."
"The Fourth Beast Was Like a Flying Eagle"
When Christ, in the fullness of each era of time, saw that it was time for understanding to be given, He loosed the
"seal," the Holy Spirit. Then the Holy Spirit revealed the truth that was needful for people to understand concerning
the conditions they had to labor with. We need to understand that the people did not receive light on the "pale horse"
in the dispensation in which the "pale horse" reigned. That is why Revelation 6:7 says, "And when he had opened
the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast [the Greek actually says 'the fourth living creature'] say, Come
and see." These were not hideous beasts. These four beasts were a figurative expression of the redeemed of all ages.
Why did John refer to the "fourth beast" as the one that brought understanding? To understand what this "fourth
beast" represents, back up to Revelation, Chapter 4. Here is a portrayal of these four living creatures. Revelation 4:7
says, "And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and
the fourth beast was like a flying eagle." This fourth living creature, portrayed as a flying eagle, is a picture, in
symbolic representation, of those who were the true saints. The true church had understanding about this spirit that was
loosed, and they did not have to succumb to that spirit.
What does the Scripture mean when it talks about this creature being like a flying eagle? Throughout the Scriptures
the thought of an eagle is a picture of divine intervention to aid those who were being assaulted, to raise them to a
position of victory. God, speaking to those in the Exodus in Exodus 19:4, said, "Ye have seen what I did unto the
Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself." Here was a picture of a people whom
God delivered from Egypt. Egypt not only portrays sin, but it also serves as a very vivid type of sectarian bondage.
Revelation 11:8 says, "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called
Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." This mention of Egypt brings into focus the thought of bondage.
God's people were held in bondage down in Pharaoh's land. Israel went down to Egypt in Joseph's day because of a
famine in the land (Genesis, Chapters 42-50). This is a parallel of the Dark Ages. In the third seal this black horse, the
spirit of apostasy, had a rider with a pair of balances in his hand. There was a famine in the land, and he was meting
out a measure of wheat for a penny and three measures of barley for a penny. He was meting out things at a starvation
rate. In Amos 8:9 God said, "I will cause the sun to go down at noon." This was a prophecy of a dark age, and in that
dark age there was "a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the
LORD " (Amos 8:11).
During the Old Testament famine, Joseph had his family brought to where they would not have to die in that
famine. This is a type of God keeping the church in the midst of the dark age. After Joseph moved off the stage of
action, there was a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus, Chapter 2), and the people of Israel, who had been
brought to Egypt as guests, ended up being oppressed and enslaved. Egypt, becoming a place of spiritual bondage and
literal oppression, is a picture of sectarian religion, which also holds God's people in bondage.
In literal Egypt God called a man named Moses and commissioned him to go and preach the message: "Let my
people go" (Exodus 5:1). That is the same message that the Church of God preaches today, only the wording is, "Come
out of her, my people" (Revelation 18:4). In other words, "Let God's people go so that they can leave spiritual Babylon
and come to Zion to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth." Egypt is not only a type of sin but also a type of
sectarianism. When God brought His people out of Egypt, He said, "I bare you on eagles' wings" (Exodus 19:4). He
caused them to rise above the conditions of bondage, and He brought them safely out.
This fourth beast (Revelation 4:7) is a picture of the nature the saints took on as the evening-time church. In
Matthew 24:28 Jesus said, "For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together." Wherever there
is a dead carcase, wherever there is dead religion, wherever there is a body that does not really have spiritual life but
has only a form of godliness, God will have some eagles. In this evening time God will always have a people that He
will call out, that will rise above that condition and be gathered together as a living, working, viable body of Christ.
This living creature that was like a flying eagle is a picture of the evening-time saints rising above the mingled hills
of spiritual Babylon. Until the evening-time church received some understanding, they could not truly see the "pale

horse," the spirit that produced Protestantism. This spirit is a hellish, devilish spirit. It is not the Spirit of God. Now,
it looks like it. They talk about Christ; they talk about the Word of God; they talk about the Spirit of God. But back
of it is a spirit that is contrary to the Spirit of God.
We must bear in mind that these horses are representative of spirits. Zechariah 6:5 says, "And the angel answered
and said unto me, These are the four spirits . . . ." To understand what they are, back up to Zechariah 6:2-5, which says:
"In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And in the third chariot white horses; and
in the fourth chariot grisled and bay [which corresponds with the 'pale horse'] horses. Then I answered and said unto
the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four
spirits [every one of these horses–the white, the red, the black, and the 'pale'–represents a spirit] of the heavens . . . ."
Every one of them is a religious spirit. That is why those that are devilish are so deceptive.
The reason horses are employed is that every one of these spirits is militant. They are all out for souls. Zechariah
10:3 says, "Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited
his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle." These spirits are portrayed by
horses to convey the truth that these spirits are out to capture people's souls. The church is in a spiritual warfare, and
the stakes are getting higher because time is getting shorter.
The Pale Horse Represents a Mixture of Light and Darkness
Let us find out just exactly what kind of a spirit this "pale horse" represents. Look again at Zechariah 6:3. It says,
"And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses." If you go back to Zechariah
1:8, you will read, "I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that
were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white." Now, the horses that are called
"grisled and bay horses" (Zechariah 6:3) here are called "speckled horses." What is being conveyed in the form of
symbolic expression? In the Hebrew the words "grisled and bay" mean "dappled strong." The Greek English Septuagint
calls it "piebald and ash colored."
What does it mean when it talks about a piebald or dappled-colored horse? Strong's Hebrew Chaldee Dictionary
tells us the word "grizzled" in the Hebrew is barod, which means "spotted or grizzled." The word for "bay" in the
Hebrew is amots, which means a "strong color." This word barod, according to the Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon
to The Old Testament, means "sprinkled with spots." This horse is a combination of sprinkled with spots; yet, it has
a strong color. Zechariah 1:8 says that it was "speckled, and white." In other words, it was a white horse with some
speckles, or spots, on it. This spirit is just as deceptive as the beast that it gave rise to in Revelation 13:11, that came
"up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and [he had features like a lamb; however, when he opened his
mouth and began to teach] he spake as a dragon." This dragon was paganism, and here is a picture of the spirit that gave
rise to the religious system of Protestantism.
This "pale horse" is a mixture of light and darkness, of truth and error. That is exactly what the spirit behind
Protestantism is made up of. It is a mixture. They have some light, but they have a lot of darkness. They have some
truth, but they have a lot of error. This spirit of the "pale horse" is actually a spirit of error, a spirit of compromise.
This system tried to make the whiteness and purity of those who had the Holy Spirit compatible with the spots and
speckles of man's ideas, man's teachings, and human reasoning.
At a distance this "horse" may look just like a white horse. The speckles do not show until you look at it closely.
Just as when you look at a speckled and white horse at a distance, the predominant color you see is white, at a distance
these organizations look like Christianity. However, if you look a little closer, you will find that they made an image
to the beast. Protestantism arose after brethren came out with the sixteenth-century reformation preaching truth. God
gave them a truth. He told Roman Catholicism, in Revelation 2:16, "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and
will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." They did not repent, so He turned the sword of His mouth, the
Word of Truth, loose.
Martin Luther preached the truth, found in Romans 1:17, that "the just shall live by faith," rather than salvation
by works taught by Roman Catholicism. This laid a deadly wound to that beast (Revelation 13:3). Then the reformers
turned right around and built an image to that beast. An image is something just like the original. They were against
one man having the say so; they were against one man setting himself up, but they made earthly heads of their own
organizations. They were against the power of the state enforcing Roman Catholicism, yet they embraced the power
of the state of Germany to enforce Lutheranism. In England, the power of the state enforced Anglicanism, or the
Church of England.

Roman Catholicism has Saint Paul and Saint Peter; Protestantism has Saint Paul and Saint Peter. Roman
Catholicism has bishops and creeds, and Protestantism has bishops and creeds. Roman Catholicism has Lent;
Protestantism has Lent, and the list goes on. What happened to cause this? The spirit of this "pale horse" actually
belongs between A.D. 530 and A.D. 1530, because that is when the spirit of this "pale horse" began to work. As soon
as the reformation began, this spirit started sowing human, sectarian ideas about religious organizations. We know this
because the rider of the "pale horse" was "Death," and nobody can die without once having lived.
Roman Catholicism could not preach enough truth to produce any spiritual life. This is a picture of people in
sectarian bondage who hear enough truth to get saved, and then they are killed with the very "sword," the Bible, that
was supposed to be giving them light (Revelation 6:8). The Bible yet today, without the Spirit of God, will still
spiritually kill people. One can take the Bible and whip people to death. You can try to win them and actually cause
death. If you tell them, "Well, the Bible says this and the Bible says that," and the Spirit is not in it, you can kill them
with the "sword."
Earthly Thinking Produced Spots
In the "fourth seal" is a "horse" that was a strong color. While the word grisled means "spotted," the word bay
means "a strong color," and there is no stronger color than white. When the color white is passed through a prism, it
comes out as seven colors. If you run the seven colors back through the same prism, they come out as white light. There
is no stronger color than white, and there is no stronger message than walking in the light, having a pure experience,
and living right in the sight of God in holiness and righteousness.
A few years before Martin Luther began preaching Romans 1:17, he made a pilgrimage to Rome. He was in
bondage to that dark system of Roman Catholicism. On his knees he was climbing the Scala Sancta, which is Latin
for the "Sacred Stairs." Roman Catholics believe that those are the stairs that went up to Pilate's judgment hall, and
somehow they were miraculously brought from Jerusalem to Rome. As Martin Luther was scaling those stairs, trying
to do good works, a lightning bolt of truth came from Heaven and struck his soul. God told him, "Martin, the just shall
live by faith." Up until that time he thought the just had to do good works. However, when God got hold of him, he
saw that salvation was not by works but by faith. God put a sword of truth in his hand, and Martin Luther took that
sword of truth and laid a deadly wound to the beast of Roman Catholicism. His followers were people who, while
walking in what little light they had, were white; they were pure.
There was a true message sounding forth, and the trumpet was being blown. God was in the reformation, but God
was not in Protestantism. God broke the light and gave understanding that brought about the sixteenth-century
reformation. Nevertheless, the sixteenth-century reformation was short-lived. The people took hold of a spirit and
became just as sectarian as the system they came out of. Though Protestantism has features like a lamb, though it
appears white, it has spots and some speckles. That system, which had some light, in time became speckled with spots.
A danger that faces the saints is in trying to make truth compatible with our own ideas. That is exactly what they did
in this era, and it gave rise to a beast. The spirit that they took hold of convinced them that error was compatible with
truth–that human ideas were compatible with the divine. Thus, what had been white and pure became speckled and
spotted.
What are spots a picture of in the Scriptures? In Ephesians 5:27 we read, "That he might present it to himself a
glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." A spot
is the opposite of being holy. If one is holy, he would be without spots. So, if spots are the opposite of holiness, then
they must be sinfulness. James 1:27 says, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Here we find that spots are
not only sinfulness, but they are also worldliness. If "pure religion" is "unspotted," then spotted is vain, or false,
religion.
In Jude 12 we read, "These are spots in your feasts." Well, what were these spots? Back up to Jude 10, which says,
"But these speak evil of those things which they know not [just because they did not understand it, they spoke evil of
it]: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts . . . ." In other words, "what they know on the natural, beastly, animal
level." They were not regenerated. Those men were spots. A spirit had hold of them to where they thought they could
mix truth with error, light with darkness. They put their reasoning, their thinking as natural brute beasts, up against
God's eternal Word, and it caused spots to be produced. This gave rise to a system that was contrary to God's eternal
Word.

An Earthly Religious System
Revelation 6:8 states, "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and
Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword,
and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." The spirit of this "pale horse" gave rise to
"beasts of the earth." Revelation 13:11 says, "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two
horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." First of all, we need to identify the "earth" that this beast came up out
of. Second Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels." What are these earthen vessels? We
read in 2 Corinthians 5:1, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle [What tabernacle? This physical
body.] were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
Second Corinthians 5:6 says, "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body,
we are absent from the Lord." The earthly house is our body, our flesh. This beast that came up out of the earth is
nothing more than a corrupt religious system that came up out of men's minds, or out of the minds of earthen vessels.
It was not divine. God never told man to start these institutions. These institutions are products of natural, human
understandings, what people understood naturally as brute beasts. Thus, when Revelation 13:11 says a "beast coming
up out of the earth," it means the earth is man. Man is nothing more than the dust of the earth. When the Scripture talks
about a beast, it is talking about man.
In 1 Corinthians 15:32 Paul said, "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, [What kind of
beasts was he talking about here? What was he fighting? The manner of men; these beasts were men.] what advantageth
it me, if the dead rise not?" He was fighting with them over truth. It was a spiritual battle, and because they could not
understand spiritual truths, they dwelt on the natural, beastly, human level. Peter thought that same way before he was
filled with the Holy Ghost.
In Matthew 17:1-8 we read: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them
up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment
was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias [Elias is the Greek word for the Hebrew
word Elijah] talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt,
let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias. [That is what human understanding
thinks. 'Let us build three churches–one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' God had to speak out of Heaven
and rebuke Peter for his human thinking.] While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold
a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
"And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them,
and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." God did
not want a church for Moses or Elijah, and if He did not want a church for men such as Moses and Elijah, He does not
want one for Luther or Wesley or any other man. That idea came from minds dominated by human thinking, people
who did not follow the direction of the Holy Ghost but followed their own natural, human instincts.
These spots on the horse are symbols of sin and worldliness and things that are not right. That is why John called
it a "pale horse" in Revelation 6:8. It is described as a "pale horse" because it is a mixture of light and darkness,
a mixture of truth and error. The sad consequences of such a spirit that produces false systems are that this type of
message can only produce one thing–spiritual death. This period of Protestantism is referred to as a cloudy day because
it is a mixture of light and darkness. First, there was a dark age; then that was followed by a cloudy day.
Physically, a cloudy day is sometimes light and sometimes dark; sometimes it is bright and sometimes it is dreary;
it is a mixture. The Protestant era is referred to in just that way. Joel 2:2 called it "a day of darkness and of gloominess,
a day of clouds and of thick darkness." This Scripture refers to two things: a dark age and a day of clouds. When
Catholicism's power was broken to where they no longer held worldwide sway, the devil did not go out of business.
He just changed clothes and used another religious system that was even more deceptive. Jesus taught about "false
prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15).
This Protestant system seems to be Christian. This spirit is so deceptive because it has an appearance like a lamb.
It is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It may look like a sheep, but it does not make sheep tracks. All you have to do is watch
how it is going, watch the way it walks, and you will find out that it is not a sheep. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep
hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Sheep walk in His light; they walk in His path. This "pale
horse," or speckled and white as Zechariah called it, is a picture of the spirit of compromise. It is so deceptive that
people often say, "Oh, they have some good ideas." Yes! There is some light, but you had better watch, for it will not

be long until they slip you the darkness. You may not have enough discernment to know when they are slipping in
human understanding because they do it in a most subtle way. It is a day of clouds, a day of gloominess.
Ezekiel 34:12 says, "As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered;
so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy
and dark day." The cloudy time is holding more people under deception than any one other power. That is one reason
it is hard to help people in this religious system. This spirit of the "pale horse" has them deceived. Many people say,
"Oh, I have been a member of a church since I was twelve years old." That spirit has them deceived. While some say
they are saved yet continue the sinful habits of life, there are other religious organizations that are even more deceptive.
They hold a biblical standard: they dress, look, and talk right. Yet, the spirit is still wrong. When people stay in that
system, that spirit will continue to work on them until they are infected with that spirit and become just like that
system.
The "pale horse" is an incompatible reality of trying to mix truth with error, light with darkness. There are pulpits
all over our world where a good salvation message is preached. Then they spend the next fifty-one Sundays telling the
people they cannot live it. The "beasts of the earth" kill them with the "sword." Bear in mind, the riders represent
the flesh and blood manifestation of these spirits, and that is why the flesh and blood representation of this spirit is
death.
Some religious organizations have enough truth to produce salvation, but then the spirit that motivates that system
takes away that light. People are lulled into a false sense of carnal security, thinking that because they made a certain
move they are fixed for time and eternity. In reality, many in these systems are on their way to "Hell" under a
deception. There are many so-called holiness movements that can lay forth good, scriptural teaching concerning
salvation and holiness. Nevertheless, the spirit that motivates that system is false, because it will not line up with the
unity of the body of Christ, the headship of Christ, and many other teachings. They have set their own human thinking
in place of biblical doctrines.
A glass of ammonia, bleach, or arsenic can be smelled from a distance. You would not begin to think about
drinking it. However, a little bit of ammonia, bleach, or arsenic can be diluted with some other things until one cannot
smell it. Yet, it is still there, and it could still work against you. That is exactly like what Protestantism has done. The
spirit behind it is a spirit of compromise. It is a spirit of "Let us not bring up our differences. Let us just fellowship
everyone. Let us just agree to disagree." That is not in the Bible. This Protestant system looks white from a distance,
but if you look at it a little closer, you will see the specks and the spots. You will see the spots of church membership,
human headquarters, human heads, false doctrines, and religious spirits. They say, "Oh, we are saved; we are saints."
However, it takes only one spot to keep you out of Heaven. This is a spirit that will make people think they are right
when they are wrong.
The Spirit of the Pale Horse Produces Death
Every one of these religious systems came to a point of truth that they did not want to measure up to, so they
stopped right there and built an image to the beast. Zechariah 14:6 tells us, "And it shall come to pass in that day [the
Gospel Day], that the light shall not be clear, nor dark." A day that is not clear nor dark is a cloudy day. The people
have some light; they can see some truths, but it is not clear. It is a mixture of light and darkness, a mixture of truth
and of error. This spirit gave rise to the system of Protestantism. Bear in mind that these horses in the Revelation
portray religious spirits, and this spirit is portrayed by a "pale horse."
Let us look at what this spirit produces. Revelation 6:8 states, "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his
name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him [how does this spirit produce death?]. And power
was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth . . . ." Notice this Scripture says he "that sat on him was
Death," but "power was given unto them." We go from "him" to "them." There are a lot of "them" producing
death. The "them" that are producing death are the sectarian bodies of religion. It does not matter which sectarian body
one is in, the end result of it is death. What kind of death is it? What kind of death causes a person to go to hell?
Spiritual death. This is a system produced by a spirit that results in spiritual death.
The "pale horse" started out white in color, but it ended up speckled and spotted. It did not stay with the truth.
When God called Martin Luther out, he was given a pure, clear message of truth. However, it was not too long until
that clear message of truth started getting cloudy. The very things that Martin Luther had been protesting against in
Rome, in time when his spirit changed, began to be practiced in Lutheranism. Revelation 14:20 says, "And the
winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse [singular] bridles

[plural]." Here we have one horse and several bridles. That is telling us that it was one spirit–a false spirit–that
motivated Protestantism. It was a spirit of compromise, a spirit of error. Yet, coming from that same spirit there are
many bridles. Many people have the reins of control. It is human organization; there are many earthly headquarters.
One spirit produced it all–the spirit of this "pale horse"–but there are many bridles; there are many religious, man-
made systems that are produced by this spirit.
How did this spirit produce "Death"? Look again at Revelation 6:8, which says, "And power was given unto
them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword." The "sword" is the Word of God. Second
Corinthians 3:6 says, "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit:
for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." How were they killing with the "sword"? They were killing with the
letter without the Spirit. They did not have the Spirit of God; they had the spirit of Protestantism. They had the spirit
of this "pale horse," and because of that, they were using the very Word, that was supposed to give life when the Spirit
administered it, to kill and take lives. This "sword" is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Go to Ephesians 6:17.
It says, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." By using the Word
of God without the Spirit they were causing people to lose their spiritual lives. By misapplying Scriptures, by teaching
them in a wrong way, at a wrong time, under the wrong application, they were using the letter to kill. They are still
doing it today. They will take a verse that says "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10) out of its context,
misapply it, and use it to spiritually kill someone.
Revelation 6:8 goes on to say that people are being killed "with hunger." There is still a famine in Babylon.
People are still starving for the truth. A false preacher cannot be a true pastor; he cannot feed souls. In Jeremiah 3:15
God said, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding." A man who is a false preacher, who is wresting the Scriptures, is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He has
a spirit of compromise and a spirit of error. He cannot feed people with understanding. Thus, the people are spiritually
starving. That is why people who truly get saved and stay in that system, in time, shrivel up and die. Why? Because
there is nothing to eat down there. God did not put any spiritual food down in Babylon, so there is "hunger," which
leads to "Death."
Truth and Error Cannot Be Combined
What else causes this "Death"? Revelation 6:8 tells us that it is "the beasts of the earth." These "beasts" are
nothing more than men walking after their own understanding. They are not following the Spirit of God. God never
told them to build a human organization. He never told them to make room for sin and worldliness. Every bit of that
comes from men's natural minds. Let us look at it.
Second Peter 2:10-12 says: "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, [The problem
is, since they have never been cleaned up and delivered themselves, how are they going to preach to anyone else about
being cleaned up and delivered? When they preach that everyone has to sin, they are preaching their own experience.]
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, [For one thing, they presumptuously sin. Psalm 19:13 talks about
presumptuous sin. In other words, when they get up in the morning they plan on sinning, and they plan on praying that
night for the Lord to forgive them. They are very presumptuous.] selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of
dignities. [Matthew, Chapter 13, talks about the seed that was sown and how the fowls came and devoured the seed.
Those fowls are false preachers. Often when God sows a little truth in one's heart, one of these false preachers will
pluck it up by saying, 'No! That is not necessary.']
"Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not;
and shall utterly perish in their own corruption." All they understand is what they understand on a natural, brute beast
level. That is how they bring "Death" to souls. They take the Scriptures, the letter without the Spirit, and they wrest
it. Because of that, they cause people to lose their lives. The reality is that there is not an acceptable blend of truth and
of error.
If your experience is governed by the Holy Spirit, if you have the Spirit of the white horse, it has to stay white for
that Spirit to keep working and operating as God ordained. If you let the first spot or speckle work its way into your
experience, it will mar your whole experience. There is no acceptable blend of truth and error, no acceptable blend of
light and darkness, and when you start thinking that there is, this spirit is getting hold of you. When the Spirit of God
asks you to do anything and you try to compromise, this spirit is working on you.

God has told us in His Word how He wants us to dress and how He wants us to live. However, if we are not
careful, human reasoning will start to work on our experience. That is the spirit of the "pale horse" (which gave rise
to Protestantism) trying to work, trying to convince us that there is an acceptable blend. When we let the enemy make
us feel that there is an acceptable blend of right and wrong, light and darkness, truth and error, then we are ready for
deception. There is no blend!
From A.D. 530 to A.D. 1530, this era of time when God was stirring men's hearts in preparation for the sixteenth
century reformation, the message was clear and plain: "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). God used that truth
as a sword to wound the beast of Roman Catholicism with a deadly wound. Then the spirit of compromise began
working to cause them to build a human system, and this led to the development of Protestantism. The very things they
would not tolerate in Roman Catholicism, they duplicated in Protestantism.
Today if God's people are not careful, they will do the very things that they criticize in others. This spirit can make
you feel as though you are an exception. Those brethren whom God had His hand on felt like this: "God is working
with us; we are God's people. We have the truth, and we are an exception." There are no exceptions. Whenever the
enemy can make people feel that there is a proper blend of right and wrong, truth and error, light and darkness, then
conditions are ripe for this spirit to deceive. The end result of this spirit is "Death, and Hell." This spirit is nothing
to give any consideration to. False religion is nothing to trifle with. It is a militant spirit, out to damn people's souls,
and it will if we do not "give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard" (Hebrews 2:1). It can work on
us. A lot of what came out of Protestantism was human reasoning and human understandings–what seemed to be
logical. Today we call that spirit humanism, but humanism is not a new thing. It is as old as the ages. It began when
the serpent told Eve in the garden, "Ye shall be as gods" (Genesis 3:5). That is still the basic spirit of humanism, a spirit
that makes you feel as though you know what is best, that you are a god. However, the end of this spirit is "Death, and
Hell."
This "fourth seal" (verse 7) symbolizes the period of time from A.D. 530 to A.D. 1530, a time when the "pale
horse" (verse 8), the spirit of compromise, began to work and ultimately produced a religious system known as
Protestantism.

CHAPTER SIX
THE FIFTH SEAL

(A.D. 1730-1880)
Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were
slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and
avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest
yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were,
should be fulfilled.
The Wesleyan Era
In the "fifth seal" is a variation. In the first four seals, every one of those predominant spirits was portrayed by
a horse. However, in the "fifth seal" period of time there is no such portrayal, and there is a very valid reason for that.
The four horses are symbolic of four spirits: the Holy Spirit, the spirit of unbelief, the spirit of apostasy, and the spirit
of compromise.
Our Scripture text begins with the opening of the "fifth seal"–a picture of Christ loosing the Holy Spirit to bring
understanding in a certain period of time. We need to understand exactly what the message was, what the burden was,
and what actually took place in this period of Gospel history. This particular "seal" is very commonly misunderstood.
Almost every commentary or reference material says that this Scripture text is talking about martyrs and martyrdom.
However, that is not the message that was being conveyed in this Scripture text. Martyrdom was not a predominant
move in the "fifth seal" age. We must ever be reminded that the Book of Revelation is written in symbolic
expressions. Thus, a martyr cannot represent a martyr. If it did, that would not be consistent with symbolic language.
Let us begin to study this "fifth seal." Revelation 6:9 says, "And when he [The antecedent of he refers back to
Revelation 6:1, which states, 'And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals.' Thus, the antecedent of he is the
Lamb, and if any understanding is given, the ultimate source of it is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Agent who
brings it; He is the 'seal,' but it is Christ who looses the Spirit.] had opened the fifth seal . . . ." What is the time frame
for this "fifth seal"? The first seal was at the dawn of the Christian day, A.D. 33-270. The second seal (represented
by the red horse, which symbolized the spirit of unbelief) was in this first period of the Gospel Day as well.
A.D. 270-530 was a transitional period, a time when an apostasy was beginning to work, but it was not fully
formulated and developed until the rider of the black horse took the scales in his hands (a picture of the office of the
popes of Rome). This happened in A.D. 530 when Boniface II became the first universal Pope. This spirit of apostasy
was in full sway, and a dark age ensued. The spirit that gave rise to this system was in the third seal era, A.D. 270-530.
After that came the pale horse–a mixture of light and darkness, truth and error, right and wrong–a picture of the spirit
of compromise that gave rise to Protestantism, when the cloudy day began in A.D. 1530. So, that fourth seal era was
A.D. 530-1530. Keep in mind that the spirits produced the systems. Therefore, they must historically precede them.
We are now up to the "fifth seal," which is from A.D. 1730 to A.D. 1880. Some may ask, "Why was there not a
seal from A.D. 1530 to A.D. 1730?" One reason is that each one of these spirits preceded the systems it produced. The
spirit of Protestantism was already working preceding this time, and there was no successive spirit, or system, to arise.
Truth began to be restored during the Lutheran era, from A.D. 1530 to A.D. 1730. After that came the Wesleyan era,
from A.D. 1730 to A.D. 1880.
How do we know that the time frame for our Scripture text was during the Wesleyan era? The Wesleyan era's
message was holiness. Previously, God gave Martin Luther the truth of Romans 1:17, which says, "The just shall live
by faith." He gave Luther understanding concerning justification by faith rather than by works, penance, sacraments,
rites, and rituals of the Roman Catholic organization. When God raised up John and Charles Wesley, in the seventeen
hundreds, their message was different; it went further. The sword of truth struck deeper than merely dealing with
justification by faith. It went on to a holiness message.

To see exactly what the message of this "fifth seal" was, look at Revelation 6:11. It says, "And white robes were
given unto every one of them." This shows us in a very clear figure that the message of holiness was the predominant
message. Everyone who embraced the truth in this era of time embraced the holiness message, and a "white robe"
was given to them.
Let us consider whom the "white robes" were given to and what they represented. "White robes" are only given
to one class of people–overcomers. In Revelation 3:4-5 we read: "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis [the Sardian
letter parallels the same era of time–A.D. 1730-1880–the 'fifth seal'] which have not defiled their garments; and they
shall walk with me in white [why?]: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white
raiment . . . ." Only one group of people wears this white raiment–those who do not defile their garments, those who
walk in the beauty of holiness. We need to understand this because our whole lesson revolves around the ones who
are wearing "white robes," the ones who are "under the altar," the ones who are crying out for judgment and
vengeance. It is needful to understand who these people are and who or what they represent.
This white raiment represents a people living a righteous, holy life. It is a picture, in symbolic expression, of the
holy, righteous experience of God's people. Job 29:14 says, "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment
was as a robe and a diadem." The clothing was righteousness. So what was this robe? It was righteousness and
judgment. That was what Job was clothed with. Even when he was sorely afflicted, what did he tell his miserable
comforters? He said, "I will not remove mine integrity from me" (Job 27:5). In other words, he said, "You can say what
you want to. You can accuse me, question my motives, and say that I am wrong, but my righteousness still clothes me.
I may be in rags literally, but I stand clear before God."
Isaiah 61:10 states, "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD , my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me
[with what?] with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom
decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." This robe of righteousness is the
wedding dress that the church wears. It is the only acceptable dress. Righteousness and holiness are the only things
that God will accept. There is no other standard, no lower standard, that God will accept.
Revelation 19:7-8 says: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come
[not going to come, but is come], and his wife [the Lamb's wife is the church] hath made herself ready [how did she
get ready?]. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the
righteousness of saints." If the linen is the righteousness of the saints, it only stands to reason that the ones who are
in the linen are the saints. In this "fifth seal" is a picture of a holiness people. "White robes" would not have been
given to them if they did not enjoy salvation, if they were not righteous, if they had not made their preparations.
The Bible says to "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10). These were people who made some
preparation. Because these white robes are a picture of a holiness people, that lets us know that the "fifth seal"
definitely has its time setting during the Wesleyan era. From the morning-time apostasy to A.D. 1730, holiness was
completely lost sight of in the sense of being a publicly declared message. That does not mean that God did not have
a holy people, because God has had a people in every age. He had a seed, a remnant. Certainly, they had to go
underground in the catacombs and caves during the Dark Ages, but in the face of it all, God still had a people who
walked in what light they had.
The message of holiness was lost sight of until John and Charles Wesley began to herald it in A.D. 1730. It was
such an unpopular message that, even though they were Church of England ministers, they were not allowed in the
Church of England pulpits. They had to preach in cornfields; they had to preach anywhere they could form a pulpit.
The Church of England would not lend them a pulpit.
Real Bible holiness is not a popular message for the flesh. That is why these people are portrayed as those who
were "slain for the word of God." A real holiness message will cause honest people to find a place where they can
die out to sin and be crucified with Christ, to where it is not they that live but Christ. Thus, when we study these
"white robes" in Revelation 6:11, it lets us know the time setting is definitely during the Wesleyan era. Not only does
this give us the proper time setting, but it also gives us a great insight to the message and spiritual condition of that
particular time period itself.

The Altar Is Christ
In Revelation 6:9 we read, "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them
that were slain for the word of God . . . ." Again, this message is not speaking of martyrs or martyrdom, but rather
it is speaking of an age when complete consecration was being preached. When people finally heard the Gospel, it gave
them a place to spiritually die out. Let us begin to consider what this "altar" is. The Scripture says, "I saw under the
altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God . . . ." What is the "altar" a reference to? An "altar"
would be a strange thing to be "under." Sacrifices were not put "under the altar," but they were put on the altar.
There were no Old Testament sacrifices that were performed "under the altar."
To understand what "under the altar" actually means, first we need to find out what the "altar" is. The wooden
rail in a church building is not the altar. Hebrews 13:8-12 says: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for
ever. Be not carried about with diverse [or different and strange] doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be
established with grace [if you receive grace, it comes from Jesus Christ]; not with meats, which have not profited them
that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, [What is the altar? Where does one get this grace? The Altar is Jesus
Christ.] whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle [speaking of the old literal tabernacle].
"For the bodies of those beasts [the old Levitical sacrifices], whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high
priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also . . . ." The writer was making a comparison between
the old Levitical sacrifices and their altar and our Sacrifice and our "altar," which is Jesus Christ.
Let us look again at Hebrews 13:10-13. It states: "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve
the tabernacle. [The literal Jew cannot find anything to eat in the New Testament era. However, we can eat of this
Lamb, eat of this Altar, and gain spiritual strength.] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the
sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also [referring to verse 10–our
Altar], that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto
him without the camp, bearing his reproach." Verse 15 tells us, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise
to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Jesus is our "altar," and these sacrifices,
thanksgiving, and glory unto God are to be made to our "altar."
If the Altar is Christ, what does it mean when it talks about being "under the altar"? It is simply saying that being
under Christ is being in submission to Christ. When these people, in the seventeen hundred's era, began to hear a
message on holiness, a message was preached and an experience portrayed before them that had not been heralded
publicly since the morning-time apostasy. When one is in submission to Jesus Christ, he is in submission to everything
that God has put in divine order–His Word, His Spirit, and His ministry. There will not be a bit of contradiction. This
spirit is a submissive spirit.
The ones who were in submission to Christ were a very submissive people. They were so submissive that even
though they saw the errors of sectarianism, they stayed in it until God told them it was time to leave. They saw a greater
truth than what the sectarian organization they were in had to offer. However, they did the right thing about it. They
did not talk; they prayed. They talked to the One who could do something about it. So, "under the altar" is merely
a phrase meaning the people were under, or in subjection to, Christ.
"They Cried With a Loud Voice"
Let us look at what was in subjection to Christ. Revelation 6:9 says, "And when he had opened the fifth seal,
I saw under the altar [in subjection to Christ] the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the
testimony which they held." First of all, we need to establish who these "souls" were. They were not disembodied
spirits; they were not literal souls; they were not souls in paradise. We can know they were not souls in paradise
because Revelation 6:10 says that "they cried with a loud voice." There is not going to be any crying and praying
in Heaven, or paradise. The crying and praying is in hell. The people who do the crying and praying after death are not
the ones who are wearing the "white robes," but they are the ones who are in torments.
In Luke, Chapter 16, we see a picture of paradise and Hades, or hell, uncapped by Jesus. Luke 16:22-24 states:
"And it came to pass, that the beggar died [the Greek says 'the poor man'], and was carried by the angels into Abraham's
bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell [the Greek says 'Hades'] he lift up his eyes, being in
torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried [Who did the crying? The soul that was

in hell, not the ones in the 'white robes.' There is no record to show where the man who was in Abraham's bosom did
any crying or praying. The rich man could see Lazarus; that added to his torment. Yet, we have no record where
Lazarus had any knowledge or vision of the rich man. That would mar the bliss of paradise.] and said, Father Abraham,
have mercy on me . . . ." The rich man in hell was the one who did the crying and the praying. We find no mention of
Lazarus doing any crying or any praying. As a matter of fact, Luke 16:25 says that Lazarus "is comforted." Lazarus
was oblivious to anything but the joys of the Lord.
When Revelation 6:10 says "and they cried," it is a figurative expression of prayer. First Kings 8:28 tells us, "Yet
have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and
to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day." What is the cry? It is a picture of prayer. These people
who were wearing "white robes" and were "under the altar" in submission to Christ cried and prayed. Anyone who
has a real holiness experience is a praying person. Second Chronicles 6:19 says, "Have respect therefore to the prayer
of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant
prayeth before thee." Crying is a picture of praying. In Psalm 39:12 the Psalmist said, "Hear my prayer, O LORD , and
give ear unto my cry."
These "souls" who were "under the altar," who had "white robes," who were crying out for vengeance were
not disembodied spirits over in the glory world somewhere looking back and asking God to get even with those still
here. First of all, people who have that attitude are never going to see the glory world, and there is no biblical record
that those who are in paradise are aware of what is going on back on earth. This cry is a picture of people praying. Look
at Psalm 40:1-3. It states: "I waited patiently for the LORD ; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry [to understand
what kind of a cry it was, look at what it produced]. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,
and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto
our God." What kind of cry brings about an experience of salvation like that? A cry of prayer.
Let us look a little more at how we know that these "souls" who were "under the altar" were not disembodied
spirits in Heaven, or paradise. First of all, there is no Bible to substantiate that there will be any crying or praying in
Heaven, or paradise. We can read where the rich man in hell prayed, but we do not have any record of where Lazarus
prayed. In John's Gospel, Jesus prayed about the glory He had before the world was, but there is no record of where
He prayed after He returned. The last verse of that old song Sweet Hour of Prayer says, "Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet
hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share, Till, from Mount Pisgah's lofty height, I view my home, and take my
flight: This robe of flesh I'll drop, and rise To seize the everlasting prize; and shout, while passing through the air,
farewell, farewell sweet hour of prayer." There will no longer be a need to pray when we go over to the other side.
Second, the Bible does not teach that those in Heaven, or paradise, know what is going on here on the earth. If they
could see the good things, then they could also see a lot of bad things. If people could see their children get saved, what
happens if they backslide? Is God going to continue to let them think their children are saved? If they know their loved
ones are lost, would that be paradise? Let us put it under sound Bible reasoning. Would it be bliss to know all the
trouble that is going on in the earth?
Let us look at Revelation 6:9-11 literally for a moment. It says: "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw
under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
And cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood
on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them,
that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be
killed as they were, should be fulfilled."
Would that be a glorious message to get over in paradise? In the literal it sounds as though people in paradise are
praying for vengeance, for God to get even. Then God says, "Now, wait a minute. All of these other people are going
to have to suffer and be tortured and martyred just as you were." Would that encourage and inspire saints in paradise
to know that others have to go through what they went through? No! This is not what He was saying at all. That is
certainly not the biblical view of paradise.
What is another reason this is not disembodied spirits? Are people over in paradise going to have vengeful thoughts
in their minds? Look at the prayer in Revelation 6:10: "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and
avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" In the literal that sounds bloodthirsty. However, the saints of
God are not bloodthirsty. They are not crying out for God to get even with someone. If a person has that attitude, his

or her spirit is wrong. What was done against you does not even enter into it. Look at what Judas did to Jesus, yet Jesus
called him "Friend" right in the garden (Matthew 26:50).
If these were not a disembodied people over in the glory world crying for vengeance, what were they crying for?
They were crying for judgment, for truth, to be poured out on a false religious system that came up out of the
earth–Protestantism. They were wanting God to turn His truth and His judgment loose on that system so that people
would not have to endure the things they had to endure.
Let us look a little closer at these "souls." These "souls" are a figurative expression for people. When people say,
"Poor old soul," they are not talking about the soul. It is just an expression. The term soul, in the Scripture, does not
always refer to the internal man. Sometimes it is referring to the person as a whole. Look at Genesis 12:5, which tells
us, "And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the
souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan . . . ."
Genesis 46:26-27 states: "All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides
Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six; And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were
two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten." This Scripture is not
talking about literal souls but about people. Genesis 46:15 says, "These be the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob
in Padanaram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three." Again, it is
talking about people. Genesis 46:18 tells us, "These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter,
and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls." Verse 25 says, "These are the sons of Bilhah, which Laban gave
unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all the souls were seven." Thus we see through these examples
that the term soul does not always mean that internal portion of man. Sometimes it just merely means people.
Finding a Place of Rest
What was the testimony, or the message, that this era held forth? Revelation 6:11 tells us by the "white robes"
that holiness was the testimony they held. They had a holiness experience. Revelation 6:9 refers to them as being
"slain." They had died out to sin (Romans 6:11); they had a sold-out experience; they were dead with Christ (Galatians
2:20). Being slain for the Word of God merely means that a holiness message had come forth, and they no longer had
to be in subjection to popes, bishops, and cardinals or even the dictates of the Church of England. Instead they had the
privilege of having a personal experience with Christ. They found a place where they could die out to sin, die out to
self, die out to the world, and wear a white robe.
What kind of "rest" is Revelation 6:11 referring to when it says that "they should rest"? What kind of "rest"
does one get when he receives a "white robe"? It is a "rest" from sin. These were a people who had entered into a
place where they could "rest" from the labors of sin. Go with me to Hebrews 4:1-2. It states: "Let us [speaking of the
New Testament brethren] therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem
to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them [speaking of the Old Testament
brethren]: but the word preached did not profit them [God's Word can be sent and anointed, but if people's hearts are
not in the right condition to receive it as it is, it will not profit them], not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."
If you take faith in what you hear, Hebrews 4:3 says that you "do enter into rest." These people who had "white
robes," who were told to "rest," were a people who rested from the labors of sin. It was a spiritual "rest." It was a
"rest" that Jesus talked about giving to men who were weary. The galling yoke of sin had become too heavy for them.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The
"rest" that He gives them is a rest from sin. When Revelation 6:9 says they "were slain for the word of God," it
is a picture of people yielding their lives and being crucified with Christ. In Matthew 10:38-39 Jesus said: "And he that
taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth
his life for my sake shall find it." Here is a picture of people being spiritually slain for the Word of God. They were
indeed dead unto sin. That is why they had a "white robe," and that is why they could "rest."
Go with me to Romans 6:11. It says, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:3 says, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death?" They died out to everything that Jesus Christ died out to. This is a picture of a
consecrated life. Colossians 2:20 says, "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ [free] from the rudiments of the world

[being free from the rudiments of the world means that this world no longer has any hold on us], why, as though living
in the world, are ye subject to the ordinances."
If you are really dead with Christ, you will not let worldly things control you; you will not pattern your life after
the world. Paul was saying that if you are dead with Christ, then you are free from the world. When Revelation 6:9
talks about people being "slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held," it is a picture of a
people in the Wesleyan era who had embraced a message of holiness, of consecrated living.
True Holiness Yearns for Unity
Let us look a little further. If these people had rested from their labors of sin, if these people were in submission
and in subjection to Christ, under Christ's authority, then what were they praying about? Well, look at Revelation 6:10,
which reads, "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge
and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" Here is a contrast between the honest saints, in this "fifth
seal" period of time, and the corrupt system of worship that they had to contend with. There was a beast that came "up
out of the earth" (Revelation 13:11), and it made an image to the first beast.
These saints were adorned in "white robes," representing a holiness experience, and they did not want to give
homage to this beast. What is the lesson? Sectarian walls had drawn lines of division between the saints of God. Some
went to one organization, and some went to other organizations. Yet, people who have a true holiness experience yearn
for one thing–unity. Everyone who has a holiness experience wants to have unity and fellowship with everyone else
who has a holiness experience. However, sectarian walls would not permit that. The hearts of the true saints were
burdened about such a condition, and in essence, they prayed, "How long, O Lord? When are You going to turn
judgment loose on this thing to where that we can have freedom, to where that Your people are not all divided up, to
where we can have unity, have harmony, and be able to worship in one body with all the saints of God? When are You
going to do that, Lord?"
Let us look again at Revelation 6:10, which says, "And they cried with a loud voice [they had a heavy burden
about this; they wanted God to hear them], saying, How long [they thought it had gone on long enough], O Lord, holy
and true, [In essence, they were saying, 'You are a God of holiness. You are a God of truth. How long is it going to
be before You turn Your judgment and truth loose?'] dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell
on the earth?" The words "them that dwell on the earth" are a picture of the Protestant system of religion.
Revelation 13:11 says, "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and
he spake as a dragon." This beast coming up out of the earth is a picture of man-made religion because earth is a
symbol of man. Second Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels . . . ."
Second Corinthians 5:1 begins, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved . . . ." So
we see that earth is a symbolic representation of man. Sectarian organizations came up out of the minds of men. Yet,
they decked these organizations with some truths to make it look like a lamb. It looked like Christianity; it looked as
though they really had some truths until it opened its mouth. Then it spoke like a dragon. Just as the dragon is
motivated by the spirit of unbelief, Protestantism is also full of unbelief. In these systems, seemingly good holiness
people raised up with unbelief when they heard the message on the church, the unity of God's people, the oneness of
the body of Christ, and the unity of believers.
While some people may hold a holiness standard of dress, often they do not practice other doctrines, such as feet
washing. It is in the Bible, so why do they not practice it? It is due to unbelief. That is just one example. The spirit of
Protestantism speaks like a dragon. They will not believe and accept the whole council of God. From a distance
Protestantism looks like a lamb; it looks like Christianity. However, it is full of unbelief and dominated by the spirit
of the pale horse–compromise. It attempts to mix unbelief with supposed belief, darkness with light. Jesus said in
Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church." He mentioned only one, but Protestantism says, "Go to the church of your
choice."
The people crying out in Revelation 6:10 were true saints who had embraced the truth and holiness message of
their era, but they were bound in that Protestant system of religion. They were bound by "them that dwell on the
earth," and that system was hindering their testimony and hindering their effectiveness and dividing the saints. It was
causing the blood that was applied to their hearts to not have the full effect that it should. Thus, they were crying out
to God to take vengeance on that ungodly system and turn truth loose. They were crying for more truth; they were

groaning for the sixth seal to be opened, and God let them know that it would happen just as soon as some more people
truly sold out and were willing to pay the price.
The next thing you see is the sixth seal being opened (Revelation 6:12), and there was a great earthquake. The
message of unity shook up all of false religion. God had to get a people in position first. An earthquake does not come
without some conditions being met. Before God sends the truth and turns some things upside down, He has to find a
people who are willing to sell out, willing to die out, willing to lay down their thoughts, their feelings, and their
opinions in subjection to Christ. God needs a people who will say, "It does not matter how I think or how I feel or how
I am hurt. I just want to see the work of God prosper. Whatever it takes, Lord, that is what I will do."
A Sold-Out People
The saints prayed, in essence, "Lord, when are You going to turn Your judgment loose on this thing? Don't you
think it has gone on long enough?" and Revelation 6:11 says, "And white robes were given unto every one of them;
and it was said unto them [here is the answer to their prayer], that they should rest yet for a little season, until
their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were . . . ." What does "as they were"
mean? The other ones were "slain for the word of God"; the other ones had found a place where they could die out,
where they were crucified with Christ. No price was too great, and God said, "As soon as I can get enough people in
a place like that, I will answer your prayer," and He did answer their prayer.
You can read in Revelation 6:12, "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great
earthquake." Just as soon as God's people were in position, God shook up false religion. It was just like when Paul and
Silas were in jail. They were bound, but when God sent that earthquake (Acts 16:26), all the bonds were loosed, and
they were free. When God sent the evening-time earthquake in the sixth seal (A.D. 1880), people who were bound up
in sectarian religion had their fetters fall off, and they were unbound. They were free and able to come home to Zion
and worship in Spirit and in truth. These saints had cried out to God to remedy anything that was causing schisms,
divisions, or hindrances. They were sold out. They wanted more truth than what they were seeing. They wanted to have
unity. They were laboring against a spirit of division. These people were crying out for vengeance on that ungodly
religious system. They were groaning for the sixth seal to be opened, and God heard their cry and opened it up.
Why did the people have to be sold out before God opened the sixth seal? If you study about the pioneer brethren
in the sixth seal who came preaching about the one church, you will learn that they had rotten tomatoes and eggs
thrown at them. This message on the one church will bring out some spirits from under cover. People who stand for
this message on the church had better be sold out because there are some strong spirits that will come against them.
The saints in the "fifth seal" thought they were ready to take hold of more truth, but God said, "Just hold still and
rest." God needed enough people completely sold out so that when this truth was loosed, they would stand for it. It is
one thing to say you want truth. Many people have said they wanted truth, but when they heard truth, it was a whole
lot different from what they thought it would be. Not everyone who said they wanted it really wanted it. Unless you
are really sold out, this truth will rub you the wrong way. It will ruffle your feathers. You cannot change the message.
You just need to change your direction.
When God opened the sixth seal, there was a shake up. People had been used to doing basically what they wanted,
believing what they wanted, and going to whatever organization they wanted to. Then God raised up a few Church of
God preachers, and they said, "This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21). They preached that all other ways are
wrong. People began to get stirred up. Their attitude was, "Well, who do they think they are? I am not going to listen
to man." If God's people ever get to Heaven, they are going to have a man of God tell them every step of the way how
to get there. If they will not accept that, they are not going to make it through. Everything God has for us comes through
His ministry. When people do not submit to God's man, they are not submitting to God's plan. If God did not want to
have His people listen to a man, He would have never put a man in His plan. However, all through the Bible when God
wanted to get truth to someone, He used a man.
In Acts 8:26-39 the Spirit told Philip to leave Samaria, go down to Gaza, and join himself to the chariot where a
man was reading Isaiah, Chapter 53. Why didn't the Holy Spirit reveal it to him? Because it was not God's plan. The
Ethiopian said, "How can I understand except some man show me?" So, Philip preached to him. In Acts 10:1-48 the
angel came to Cornelius. Why didn't the angel preach the Gospel to Cornelius? It was not God's plan. God said, "Send
for Peter." He did, and Peter came and preached the Gospel. God's plan is to work through a man. The spirit of

lawlessness causes people to think they do not have to listen to the man of God. You can refuse to listen if you want
to, but it is at your own peril. God had to have a people who were ready for this spiritual earthquake to take place,
because when that shaking started, it was not only the wrong things that were going to get shaken. Everything was
going to get shaken–the wrong and the right.
When an earthquake occurs, it does not shake only the sinners' homes. If the saints' houses are on the same road,
they will be shaken also. When a spiritual earthquake takes place, God's people are going to have to have a settled
experience or they will get shaken off. They must be settled enough that when the shaking comes, they are ready for
it.
As soon as God had a people ready, or in position, He opened the sixth seal. This fifth seal, from A.D. 1730 to A.D.
1880, is not a picture of martyrdom but a picture of a holiness people in the Wesleyan era who had heard enough of
the Word of God that they were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). They were a holiness people who were
groaning for the sixth seal, the unity message, to be loosed. People who love truth want more truth. True holiness
yearns for unity. The "fifth seal" brethren prayed for it and labored for it. When God got a people in position, light
broke at last, the message came out on unity, and the sixth seal was opened.

CHAPTER SIX
THE SIXTH SEAL

(A.D. 1880 - 1930)
Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake;
and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is
shaken of a mighty wind.
14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were
moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the
mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the
mountains;
16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the
throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
False Conceptions of the End of Time
We are now down to the opening of the "sixth seal." Literalists teach that this Scripture lesson is speaking of the
end of time or of the last day–the Judgment Day. There are varied teachings concerning this text, but many people take
this text and tie it in with Matthew, Chapter 24, and teach that these are occurrences that are going to take place at
Christ's second advent. Let us examine some of the claims that false religious advocates make so that we can dispel
the falsities and the false conceptions and understand truth in a clear and plain manner. When these claims are
examined alongside the light of Bible truth, they cannot stand that examination.
One of the primary quotes literalists use is Revelation 6:16, which says, "And said to the mountains and rocks,
Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb." Those
who are of the dispensational persuasion (who teach that there is going to be a rapture) teach that this will be the scene
on that final day. They say that when Christ comes back, there will be people crying for the "rocks" and the
"mountains" to "fall" on them and "hide" them "from the face of him that sitteth on the throne." They teach that
people will try to flee, run, and attempt to hide. Let us begin to examine this and see if there is any Bible to substantiate
such a teaching as this.
There are those who tell you that after the rapture has taken place, then the tribulation period will be ushered in.
Others present it as being the last day, that great day of the Lord. As we begin to rightly divide the Word of Truth to
see if there is any Bible to substantiate such teachings, the answer is absolutely not! Sound Bible teaching refutes such
thinking. We read in 2 Peter 3:10, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens
shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are
therein shall be burned up." When Christ comes in His second advent, when He splits the clouds, people will
supposedly cry out for the "rocks" and "mountains" to fall on them. However, there will be no "rocks" or
"mountains" to fall; there will be nowhere for them to hide; there will be nothing for them to cry to.
There will be no secret rapture, or a secret stealing away in the midst of the night, because when Christ comes and
splits the clouds, it will be with a great noise! If you think it is noisy in this world now, just wait until Christ comes
on the scene. When He comes with the voice of the archangel, with the trump of God, there is going to be a great noise.
The "rocks" or the "mountains" are going to melt with a fervent heat. False preachers say "burned over," but the
Bible says "burned up." God is not going to renovate this earth, He is going to destroy this time world. It will be burned
up. Second Peter 3:11 tells us, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye
to be in all holy conversation and godliness." A dissolved mountain or a dissolved rock will hide no one. Verse 12

reads, "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be
dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
I want to lay to rest the thought of literalism regarding Revelation 6:16. When Christ comes again, everything will
be instantaneous. We read in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . . ." That is how quick and instantaneous it will be when
Christ comes on the scene in His second advent. In that moment the elements will melt, the earth will be burned up,
and we will be instantaneously changed. The mortal is going to put on immortality.
Again, 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 says: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." First Thessalonians 4:16-17 reads: "For the Lord himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, [That does not sound like a secret stealing away, as one coming as a thief in the
night. There are not many thieves who shout as they break in and steal. This does not sound like a secret stealing away
of the church.] with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then
we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air . . . ."
We are going to meet Him in the air because the earth is going to be burned up.
False teachers say that a terrible event is coming on this time world, a time when the "sun" will become "black,"
the "moon" will become as "blood," and men will cry for the "mountains and rocks" to "fall on" them and "hide"
them. They support this with Matthew, Chapter 24. Let us look at that because there are some portions of that chapter
which parallel our Scripture text. False ministers list these as rapture texts. Matthew 24:17 states, "Let him which is
on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house." If you were truly being raptured, you would have
no time to go down to your house. Matthew 24:18 says, "Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his
clothes." Would you need clothes in Heaven?
Matthew 24:20-21 is often used to teach of a great tribulation. It says: "But pray ye that your flight be not in the
winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world
to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Matthew 24:19 reads, "And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give
suck in those days!" If this were speaking of a rapture or a tribulation following a rapture, why would it say, "And woe
unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days"? If this were after the rapture, would not the
innocent children have been taken, because Jesus said in Mark 10:14, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and
forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God"? This lets us know that if a rapture would occur, the children
would be taken.
Thus, we need to drop the thought of literalism when we look at Revelation 6:12-13 and 16. There are several
things that reveal to us the truth in this text. First of all, we know it is not a period of time following this time world
because Christ is still a Lamb. Look at it in Revelation 6:16. It tells us, "And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall
on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb." Here Christ
is still denoted as a Lamb, letting us know the setting is in this time world, while salvation is still offered and the plan
of redemption is still operable. Keep in mind that all seven seals were opened while Christ was a Lamb.
Time Setting for the Sixth Seal
We read in Revelation 6:12, "And I beheld when he [according to verse 1, 'he' refers to the Lamb] had opened
the sixth seal . . . ." The time setting for this "sixth seal" is not when Christ comes again and ushers in eternity, but
is while time is yet standing, while salvation is still offered and while Christ is still the Lamb of God. What is truth
in Revelation will be truth in Gospel and in prophecy. We find in this lesson the same picture that Christ gave the
disciples when He took them through the Gospel Day in Matthew, Chapter 24. Matthew 24:29 says, "Immediately after
the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall
from heaven . . . ." This lets us know it has nothing to do with the tribulation, because Matthew 24:29 says,
"Immediately after the tribulation . . . ." Those who teach that these things occur in the tribulation are teaching contrary
to what Jesus said. The tribulation we read about in Matthew 24:21 is not something that will take place at a future
point in time, but it happened in A.D. 70 when Titus and the Roman army brought a terrible tribulation against the
people of Israel with the desolation of Jerusalem.

Let us read Matthew 24:29-31: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the
moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And
then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven [the sign of the Son of man, not the Son of man]: and then shall
all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great
glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the
four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Jesus was giving the same lesson that we have in our Scripture text.
When Jesus said in Matthew 24:30, "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man . . ." what was He talking about?
Go to Revelation 15:1. It reads, "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven
last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." In Matthew 24:30 Jesus called it "the sign of the Son of man,"
and in Revelation 15:1 it is called a "sign in heaven." Here is a picture of a ministry (angels) who had plagues–the
wrath of God, or the judgments of God.
Let us see what this judgment message actually was. Matthew 24:30 states, "And then shall appear the sign of the
Son of man in heaven." That sign was the ministry with a special message. They had the seven vials full of the seven
plagues. What are the plagues? They are a type. It refers back to Egypt, back to the plagues that God sent by Moses
in Exodus, Chapters 8-12. What was the message Moses had? "Let my people go" (Exodus 8:1). What was the message
these brethren had in the "sixth seal" (A.D. 1880-1930)? It was a message to those who were down in Babylon: "Come
out of her, my people." The ministry put a plague on false religion and said, "Let my people go." Again, we read in
Matthew 24:30, "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth
mourn [earthen religion does not like truth poured out on them; it causes them to have a heaviness and to mourn], and
they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." How is this going to occur?
Matthew 24:31 reads, "And he shall send his angels [His ministry] with a great sound of a trumpet [the preaching of
the Gospel], and they shall gather together his elect [His people] from the four winds [the winds of doctrine], from one
end of heaven to the other." This is how the saints of God were brought together.
The Opening of the Sixth Seal
A great work was accomplished in this sixth-seal period of time. The message heralded by the ministry was, "Let
My people go," and the people of God were able to come together. God gathered His elect from all the forces of false
religion, and He brought them together. This is a picture, as Matthew 24:30 says, of "power and great glory." It is
something to behold when people get the understanding of the sixth seal.
Let us again read Revelation 6:12. It says, "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal . . . ." In the fifth
seal there was a holiness people who found a place to die out. They had heard enough truth and Gospel to find a place
where they could have a sold-out experience. They were walking in true holiness. They had white robes, and as true
saints of God, they were desiring unity with everyone else who had a holiness experience. However, sectarian walls
separated them from being united with their brethren. Christ told them to hold steady and rest for a little season. As
soon as He could get more people in place (in a sold-out experience), He said He would open the "sixth seal."
When Christ opened the "sixth seal," there were some things that happened. Revelation 6:12 says that "there
was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." That
ties right in with Matthew 24:29, where Jesus said, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens
shall be shaken." Then Revelation 6:13 says, "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth
her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." So we find there is a great connection between these two
texts.
Jesus gave a little more insight as to how these things took place. What does it mean when it talks about the "sun"
being darkened? The "sun" is a figurative expression of the New Testament light. Revelation 12:1 says, "And there
appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman [the New Testament church] clothed with the sun [New Testament light
and truth] . . . ." The "sun" being darkened, put in simple terms, means that if you do not walk in the light that God
shows you, you are going to go into darkness regardless of how much light you have had. When you have more light
than you will walk in, you will go into darkness.

When the sixth-seal brethren started preaching the truth concerning the unity of God's people, there were people
who had walked in the light, who had embraced holiness, who had accepted truth up to that point, but when the
message came on the one church and on God's people coming out of Babylon and on the coming together of one visible
working body of Christ (the truth that Christ is not divided, that God is against sectarianism, and that division and
sectarianism are sin), there were people who would not take that light. Thus, the light that was in them became
darkness.
Symbolic Expressions
This is a good place to start clearing up some of these symbolic expressions in Matthew 24:31, which reads, "And
he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect [celestial angels do not
gather anyone from anywhere] . . . ." Celestial angels do not know what to preach. They could not pastor at all. They
would not have the first idea of what the needs were. God was not speaking of celestial beings in this verse.
Let us find by the Bible who these angels are. We read in Galatians 1:8-9: "But though we, or an angel [the Greek
word is aggelos, which means, 'a messenger, or minister'] from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that
which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach . . . ."
Verse 8 says "angel," but verse 9 says "man." This teaches us that the angel he was speaking of was not a celestial
being, but it is a man whom God called and equipped as a messenger, or a minister. Galatians 4:13-14 tells us: "Ye
know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in
my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus." Here Paul said, "I
preached," and they received him as "an angel of God," an aggelos, a messenger, or a minister. So, these angels are
God's messengers, or His ministry.
God did not send these angels out without equipping them. God does not send out anyone whom He does not equip.
If God calls you, He will equip you. One of the best ways to tell whether a man has been called to preach is that he can
preach. Matthew 24:31 says, "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet . . . ." To understand what
this trumpet represents, look at the words of Isaiah 58:1. It reads, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet,
and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." This trumpet is equated with preaching the
truth, showing people their conditions, preaching the Gospel, and uncovering people's needs. That is what the Apostle
Paul was speaking of in 1 Corinthians 14:8-9, when he said: "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall
prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words [that is what the trumpet is] easy to
be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air."
The trumpet symbolizes words being sounded forth, but not just any kind of words. When Christ comes back, 1
Thessalonians 4:16 says, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trump of God . . . ." This shows us that the trumpet is Christ's voice. All of these expressions are
interchangeable terms, signifying various attributes of the voice of Christ. This verse is not talking about a literal
trumpet but "the voice" of "the Lord himself." A minister preaching God's Word is Christ sounding forth His voice.
It is the sounding of the trumpet.
Let us again look at Matthew 24:31: "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, [They are
equipped with a message of the Word of God, and when they sound it forth, it is not just their idea. They are preaching
God's Word, and it is the very voice of Christ. To see what kind of a message they had, we must look at what the results
were.] and they shall gather together his elect . . . ." His elect needs to be gathered because they were scattered through
the dark and the cloudy day.
Ezekiel 34:11-13 says: "For thus saith the Lord GOD ; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them
out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my
sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will
bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed
them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country."

The Sixth-Seal Message
The sixth-seal brethren were equipped with the message of Revelation 18:4: "Come out of her, my people, that ye
be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." They were equipped with a message of truth to tear
down sectarian walls and walls of division that had separated the saints. God was seeking them out from where they
were in the dark day of Catholicism and the cloudy day of Protestantism, and He was gathering them together in the
evening time.
When D. S. Warner and other brethren were called, they were equipped with a message that man had not preached
since before the morning-time apostasy. Many wonderful songs were written during this time. The special message,
or trumpet, that God gave them had been lost sight of through the dark and cloudy day. God especially called those
brethren and gave them a special preparation to "gather together his elect" (Matthew 24:31).
Next, we read that the ministry is going to gather them from "the four winds." Let us see what the winds are. We
read in Ephesians 4:14, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind
of doctrine . . . ." The winds that God was gathering His people together from were the winds of doctrine that had
scattered them during the dark and cloudy days. The four winds correspond with Revelation 7:1 (which we will deal
with more exhaustively in the next chapter): "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of
the earth [that is figurative language, for the earth does not have four corners], holding the four winds of the earth, that
the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree."
What were the four winds God was going to gather His elect from? We read in Revelation 8:8 that "a great
mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea." Much of what had been in the morning-time church fell out of the
hands of God and into the hands of men. That is what the "sea" represents. (A sea is just a massive body of water, and
sadly, it was a massive move.) Revelation 17:15 says, "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where
the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Then Isaiah 57:20 says, "But the wicked are
like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt." These verses teach us that the sea is
wicked people. The morning-time apostasy took place because much of that which had been the morning-time church
fell out of the hands of God (where it was on fire) and into the sea, or into the hands of wicked men. To see what came
up out of that sea, read Revelation 13:1. It says, "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of
the sea . . . ." A beast (Roman Catholicism) came up out of that sea.
One of the doctrines that the angel was going to gather people from was the sea. God was going to gather people,
those who had "an honest and good heart" (Luke 8:15), out of Roman Catholicism, which had power in two periods:
A.D. 270-530 and A.D. 530-1530. Revelation 13:11 speaks of the earth, saying, "And I beheld another beast coming
up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." What beast was this? It was
Protestantism. It had two horns, symbolizing its power in two eras: the Lutheran era (A.D. 1530-1730) and the
Wesleyan era (A.D. 1730-1880). It also symbolizes the two political powers that supported it: Germany and England.
These brethren had a message that was calling people out from the false doctrines of this earthen organization of
Protestantism.
Revelation 7:1 says, ". . . nor on any tree." The trees in this setting are a picture of people in general who are held
with false thinking, thinking that is not biblical. God is calling all mankind (whether they are under paganism,
papalism, Protestantism, or any other "ism") out and gathering them together to stand on one thing–truth. That is why
God sent forth His ministry to bring His people together from the four winds–from all the various false winds of
doctrine and the spirits behind them and from all the teachings and sayings of men.
We need to remember that these events transpired during the "sixth seal" (Revelation 6:12), that period of time
from A.D. 1880 to A.D. 1930. In January 1880, D. S. Warner began to lay forth a message concerning the oneness of
the body of Christ and the unity of the believers. God did not want His people separated and scattered, but He wanted
them together.
Earthquakes
Let us look again at Revelation 6:12: "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a
great earthquake." Three earthquakes are mentioned in the Revelation. An "earthquake" is a very traumatic event,

and the one that chronologically occurred first is mentioned in Revelation 8:5, which reads, "And the angel took the
censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and
lightnings, and an earthquake." This is a figurative expression of the Day of Pentecost. The fire is the Holy Ghost (Acts
2:3-4), the altar is Christ (Hebrews 13:8-10), the words "filled it with fire of the altar" show us that He (Christ in this
instance, since He was performing an high priestly role) was filling it with the Spirit of Christ. When that happened,
there were voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an "earthquake." All of that is recorded in Acts, Chapters 2 and 3.
We read about the second earthquake that occurred in Revelation 6:12. It says it was "a great earthquake." This
"earthquake" was in the sixth seal, and the third and final earthquake is in the seventh seal, the very day and time in
which we live. Revelation 16:18 states, "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great
earthquake, . . . so mighty an earthquake, and so great." Let us look at this sixth-seal "earthquake." First, we need
to consider what this figurative expression of an "earthquake" represents. An earthquake is a shaking time. It is a time
when things are upset, things are broken loose, the earth is shaken up, and the things that are hooked to the earth are
shook loose from it. It is a time when things are rearranged.
This sixth-seal "earthquake" is a picture of the mighty unleashing and manifestation of truth and the Word of
God that these brethren began preaching in 1880. They preached that God had only one church. When they told people
down in sectarianism, "You need to come out of that organization," it shook up people. When the saints started rapidly
responding to the call of the Gospel, when people came leaping and shouting home to Zion, when they put the truth
on those earthen systems of religion, it caused a shaking time. It caused an upset. Things broke loose, and people broke
loose. It was such a drastic deviation from everything that had been preached through the dark and cloudy day that it
caused a major upset. Yet today when God's man preaches the true Gospel, people get upset–not the saints, just people
who are hooked into earthen organizations.
The Prophet Joel prophesied of this in Joel 3:16-17: "The LORD also shall roar out of Zion [Zion is a figurative
expression of the church, according to Hebrews 12:22-23], and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and
the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall
ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there
shall no strangers pass through her any more." Joel spoke of a time when the Lord would roar out of Zion, when He
would utter His voice from Jerusalem, when once more there would be a visible, working body of Christ, and when
this message would cause a shaking.
In Exodus, Chapters 19-20, you can read of when God came down and met with Israel at Mount Sinai. When His
voice spoke, it shook the earth. The presence of God and the voice of God shakes things. Hebrews 12:18-21 tells us:
"For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness,
and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word
should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as
a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses
said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)."
The voice and the presence of God brought about this quaking. The "earthquake" in our text (Revelation 6:12)
was prophesied of and foretold by the Prophet Joel in Joel 2:10-11: "The earth shall quake before them; the heavens
shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining [the same expressions we
find in our Scripture text]: And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is
strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?" Remember,
we are dealing in symbolic language. What does it mean when it says "the earth shall quake"? The "earth" is not this
terrestrial earth but people who are earthen vessels, whose lives are not built on the sound teachings of God's Word.
Truth can shake them.
Hebrews 12:27-28 says: "And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken,
as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom
which cannot be moved . . . ." If you build your experience on solid truth, then truth will not shake you. When Joel said,
"The earth shall quake before them," he was talking about systems and organizations that came out of men's minds.
That is the earth on which God sent judgment.
We read in 2 Corinthians 4:7, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels . . . ." What is this earthen vessel?
Second Corinthians 5:1 says, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved . . . ." He was

talking about this natural body. So, when the Revelation says that the earth shall quake, it is talking about putting
judgment on man and the things that men's minds have devised that are contrary to God's eternal Word. Truth will
shake up men's thinking.
Revelation 13:11 says, "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth." This beast came up out of the
minds of men. They thought it was a good idea to draw up their Articles of Faith. They decided where to have a
headquarters and decided who ought to be the head. There were many things that were out of place. Therefore, God
had to turn His truth loose and send an "earthquake" to upset things.
Only God can send an "earthquake." Man can do lots of things, but he cannot send an "earthquake." Man can
make many moves, build things, and put things in certain places and positions, but if God sees they are not what He
wants, He can send an "earthquake" and rearrange them in a moment of time. When God looked on in A.D. 1880,
He saw that a lot of things were out of place and out of position. The only way to rectify it was to send a good
"earthquake." In Acts 16:16-40 you can read where Paul and Silas were bound up in prison (man had them bound).
What did God do? He sent an "earthquake" and opened all the doors. That is exactly what He did in 1880. There were
people bound up in false religion, bound by sectarian systems of men. Thus, God sent an Holy Ghost "earthquake"
and opened the door and made a way of exodus so that the people could be let go and come to Zion and worship God
in Spirit and in truth.
The Horses and Their Riders
This sixth-seal period of time immediately succeeded an era dominated mostly by the beast of Protestantism that
came up out of the earth, but the sixth-seal message on unity and the church was (and still is) a powerful message. In
Zechariah 6:1-8 we read about the horses and their riders. Each of those horses symbolizes different spirits and how
militant, powerful, and dominating those spirits were. Each of the riders was the flesh and blood representation that
best exemplified the system that spirit produced. We can see how powerful this message on unity is because of what
happened to those horses and their riders. That is why the devil is so against unity yet today.
We read in Haggai 2:21-22: "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the
earth [speaking of a time when an earthquake was going to take place]; And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms,
and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride
in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother." In this evening time
when God sent the "earthquake," He said that every one of those horses (these spirits) and their riders (their flesh
and blood representation), who were in an exalted position in the minds of the masses, would be brought down by the
sword, or by the truth. The message of truth will still bring down unbelief, apostasy, and compromise yet today.
Look at the wording the Prophet employed in Haggai 2:22. It says, "And I will overthrow [this great message is
out to overthrow everything that does not line up with God's Word: any individual, spirit, or system] the throne of
kingdoms [a throne is an exalted place where one reigns; anything that reigns and is contrary to God's Word, God is
out to dethrone it and overthrow it], and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow
the chariots . . . ."
If you go back to Zechariah 6:1-8, you will find those horses had chariots. Just as a chariot follows a horse,
something follows those spirits. When a spirit is loose, it produces something. Chariots are manmade. Those spirits
will cause some man-made things to be produced and follow behind them. But the truth (the sword), Haggai 2:22 says,
"will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one
by the sword of his brother." What is the sword? Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword . . . ." The sword is the Word of God. The horse and the rider are brought down
by the sword. John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." They are brought down by truth.
Stars Are a Picture of the Ministry
Revelation 6:13 says, "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth . . . ." We know this is not speaking of literal
stars because the Bible says that a literal star has never fallen (Isaiah 40:26). Some people talk about seeing falling
stars, but it is not so, for they do not fall. Every one of them that God hung up there is still hanging. Just as the natural

stars illuminate a darkened sky and give direction at night, the "stars" (Revelation 6:13) in a figurative sense are
God's spiritual luminary agents that God lifted and put in an exalted position to give men guidance and direction. These
"stars" are a picture of the ministry. Revelation 1:16 says, "And he had in his right hand seven stars." What are these
seven stars? Jesus, speaking in Revelation 1:20, said, "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right
hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels [messengers, or ministers] of the seven
churches." So, these "stars" portray the ministry. God has placed His ministry as His luminary agents. He has lifted
them to an exalted position and made them a special light to shine and guide men to Christ.
Revelation 6:13 states, "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely
figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." Those "stars" fell because they were "shaken." When this
"earthquake" took place, the "stars" were shaken by a "mighty wind." This "mighty wind" is a picture of Acts
2:2 and 4, which read: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind . . . And they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost . . . ." When this spiritual earthquake took place (A.D. 1880), there were good men of
God ("stars") who were "shaken" by that "wind." When they would not measure up to the message, their star
(ministry) fell from a heavenly position down to an earthly position, and they lost out, spiritually.
There have been men who saw the truth, but they said, "If I leave, I will lose my pension." So they stayed, kept
their pension, and lost their souls. They might have been good men of God up to that point, walking in all the light they
had, but when further light came, when God sent the "mighty wind" (the Holy Ghost) with a revelation of truth–"This
is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21)–they would not walk. Their star fell from heaven to the earth. They were no
longer God's men. They were that earthly system's men. There are people today who see truth, but they say, "Well, I
cannot preach that, because if I did, my people would rise up against me. They would never stand for it. I am liable
to lose my congregation." Pastor, if you do not preach it, you will lose your soul. If you do not walk in the truth the
Spirit of God reveals to you, you will no longer be one of God's "stars of heaven," but you will be bound by an
earthen system.
Again, Revelation 6:13 says, "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her
untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." That "mighty wind" was the Holy Ghost revealing truth to
God's people. When they failed to walk in more light, the precious light they had became darkness to them. In order
to be a light, you have to continue to walk in light. You must continue to receive light from the Source of light. God
is the source of light (1 John 1:5), and all light projects from that Source.
First John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another . . . ."
Just as soon as we quit walking in the light, or understanding, that God has given us, we lose fellowship with the One
who is light. Then the light goes on and leaves us in darkness. This is exactly what Jesus was talking about in John
12:35 when He said, "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon
you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." Many brethren had preached beautiful messages
on holiness, but when Christ spoke the truth to them on the one church and on coming out of those systems, too many
of them had more allegiance to a system than to the truth. Although they had once been greatly used of God, their star
fell to the earth. They became an operative of that earthly organization, and the precious light they once had became
darkness. Truth is progressive. Just because we are walking in truth now does not mean we will be walking in it a year
from now. We must be willing to walk in the light and keep pace with truth.
The Sun Became Black
Revelation 6:12 reads, "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." We have read this
same expression in similar terms back in Matthew's Gospel as well as in prophecy. What does the phrase "the sun
became black" mean? We need to understand what the "sun" is in the natural realm. There are two basic lights.
Genesis 1:16 says, "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the
night . . . ." The greater light is the sun (Psalm 136:8), and it was designed to rule the day. When Jesus came on the
scene, Malachi 4:2 says, "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his
wings." When did the Sun arise? When did a new day dawn? Second Peter 1:19 tells us, "We have also a more sure

word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day
dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts."
Who is the "day star"? Revelation 22:16 says, "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." The day star is Jesus Christ. He
is the Sun of righteousness, and when He came, He ushered in a new day. There had been a dark night, but when Christ
came on the scene, a new era commenced. Christ is the "sun," the greater light, and the greater light was given to rule
the day–this Gospel Day, the New Testament era. The New Testament is what Christ gave us; it is His will and
testament to rule this Gospel Day. So, the "sun" symbolizes the New Testament.
The "moon" is the lesser light, and it rules the night (Psalm 136:9). The light of the "moon" is a reflection. The
"moon" gets all of its light from the "sun." The "moon" does not have any light of its own. Hebrews 10:1 tells us,
"For the law having a shadow of good things to come . . . ." The Old Testament, the old law, was just a shadow, or a
reflection, of the light that came from the New Testament. The Old Testament was that lesser light which ruled the dark
Jewish night. They looked for the dawning of a new day, a new era; they looked for a Messiah to come and usher in
a new dispensation. Until Christ came, the Old Testament was that shadow which ruled the Jewish night in Judaism.
The night came first and then the day. In Genesis each time it says "the evening and the morning," the night is listed
first. (Read Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31.)
When we come back to Revelation 6:12, we see that the "sun [the New Testament] became black." What was
this darkness? It was the darkness of death. It became not only "black" but "black as sackcloth of hair." Often, when
we think of "sackcloth," we think of it as being a symbol of repentance. However, "sackcloth" also portrays death.
Before 1880 people had been walking in New Testament light. They had embraced the Lutheran era's truth about
salvation, and they had embraced the Wesleyan era's truth concerning walking in holiness. But when the New
Testament light came on the oneness of the body of Christ, the unity of believers, and the one church, many would not
walk in that light. Thus, their "sun became black," and a spiritual death took place.
We read in 2 Samuel 3:30-31: "So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother
Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes,
and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier." This sackcloth was
associated with death. Ephesians 2:1 speaks of those "who were dead in trespasses and sins." When people would not
walk in the light and would not obey the truth, they died spiritually. This spiritual darkness was the terrible
consequence of refusing truth when it came.
The Moon Became as Blood
Next we read in Revelation 6:12 that "the moon became as blood." In other words, the Old Testament became
as "blood." What does that mean? People could no longer derive any true light, even from the Old Testament. Every
time they kept looking back into the Old Testament, it kept pointing them to one thing: Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John
5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." Every
time they tried to look back into the Old Testament, it pointed them back to the true source of light, back to the
"blood." Why did they need the "blood"? Because they were again in sin. If you do not take truth, you will go back
into sin. When you go back into sin, you need to do as Revelation 2:5 says: "Repent, and do the first works." You must
do your first works over again. You need to start right back with the "blood" to get your sin taken care of.
When the message of the church came out, people who did not accept it did not backslide outwardly. They kept
right on practicing religion–preaching and teaching. The Book of Hebrews tells us that when people fall away, or
apostatize, but continue to profess, "they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame"
(Hebrews 6:6). That is another reason why the "moon became as blood." Just as the Old Testament Jews were guilty
of crucifying Jesus Christ, many who were New Testament Jews would not accept the truth, just as old Judaism would
not, and were guilty of crucifying Christ afresh. They were as guilty as the old literal Jew.

One Church, One Body
The sixth-seal message was the unity of the faith and the message on the one church. Does our text teach this?
Revelation 6:14 reads, "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together." The "heaven departed"
symbolizes the people of God moving from division to unity. The thought of being "rolled together" is a picture of
God's people coming together to compose one working body, or unit. The Prophet spoke of it in Isaiah 34:4, saying,
"And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved . . . ." The "host of heaven" he was talking about were those things that
the people in that era of time worshiped. They worshiped the sun and the host of heaven; this is a picture of false
religion. Isaiah was prophesying of a time when false religion would be dissolved to where there would not be anything
for it to stand on. In other words, they would not have any basis of truth at all. People would be able to see through the
falseness of it. Isaiah 34:4 states, "And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled
together as a scroll." This precious evening-time truth dissolved and did away with all the denominational boundaries,
and God's people came together as one, "as a scroll when it is rolled together." When this "scroll" was "rolled
together," Revelation 6:14 says that "every mountain and island were moved out of their places." In the
Revelation, mountains are a picture of places of worship. There is only one true place of worship, one true church–one
true mountain–and when this earthquake took place, it moved all the other mountains and islands out of their place.
The place they once held, they no longer were able to hold. Why? Truth had been turned loose, and once truth has been
turned loose, falsity can never hold the place in our heart and mind that it once held. There is only one church, or
"mountain," and Colossians 1:18 says, "And he is the head of the body, the church." It is exclusive. First Corinthians
12:13 tells us, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body . . . ." The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 4:4,
"There is one body . . . ." What is this one body? It is the one mountain. Hebrews 12:22-23 says: "But ye are come unto
mount Sion [what is 'mount Sion'?], . . . To the general assembly and church of the firstborn . . . ."
John wrote in Revelation 21:9-10: "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full
of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And
he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain . . . ." The only true mountain is the church, and when
the truth of the one church went forth, "every mountain and island were moved out of their places" (Revelation
6:14). Biblically speaking, there is only one true mountain. These other mountains were false mountains, and when
truth came, they were moved. They never again held the place in people's minds that they once held.
Revelation 6:15 reads, "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief
captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the
rocks of the mountains." Again, there is only one rock (Christ), one mountain, one true church. You can read in 1
Samuel 2:2, "There is none holy as the LORD : for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God."
Psalm 18:31 says, "For who is God save the LORD ? or who is a rock save our God?" There is only one real rock: Christ
Jesus. First Corinthians 10:4 tells us, "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock
that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."
People Are Hiding in the Rocks
What were these people doing in Revelation 6:15 who "hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the
mountains"? The first part of Revelation 6:15 tells us who these people were: "And the kings of the earth, and the
great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free
man . . . ." Those who tried to hide themselves were people who had come in contact with this precious message of
truth. The truth of this earthquake had shaken them. Their sectarian covering had been shaken off, and they were shown
what they truly were, where they were, and what they needed to do. But they would not take the truth. Instead of
coming out (Revelation 18:4) as God wanted them to do, they went right back into those systems and tried to hide
themselves in their former creeds.
Isaiah 28:17 and 20 tells us: "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail
shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. . . . For the bed is shorter than that
a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." Once judgment has been

laid to the line and the truth has overflowed your hiding place, the bed is too short and the cover is too narrow. In other
words, there is no place to hide after God has gotten truth to you.
In these verses there is a contrast laid out: those who would take the precious truth (Revelation 6:14) and those
who would not (Revelation 6:15). The only people who will take this truth are the ones who have honest hearts. Out
in denominationalism God is seeking them out. They are hiding in the dens and caves and rocks of Babylon, but God
is hunting them out. Jeremiah 16:16 reads, "Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD , and they shall fish
them [those who are unsaved]." Jesus said in Mark 1:17, "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers
of men." God's people are to fish for others; they are not trying to hide in things, but Jeremiah 16:16 continues, ". . . and
after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the
holes of the rocks." This is a picture of people who are hiding in things that have no Bible basis–in teachings that will
not stand up under the onslaught of God's Word. God is sending forth hunters to hunt them out and bring them out of
those false systems. This judgment in the "sixth seal" is not speaking of the Judgment Day but rather of a time of
preliminary judgment that started in A.D. 1880. The last phrase in Revelation 6:16 talks about the "wrath of the
Lamb." Again, this is not talking about the Judgment Day, because on that day Christ will not be a Lamb. This is a
day when the "wrath" can move one to a correct position.
Judgment Is Loosed
The "wrath" we read about in the "sixth seal" is judgment being turned loose when the evening time commenced.
God turned His judgment loose on every false, earthly system. Revelation 15:1 confirms this: "And I saw another sign
in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God."
Revelation 16:1-2 also speaks of this wrath: "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels,
Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first one went, and poured out his
vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon
them which worshipped his image." This "wrath" was the judgments of God being poured out on earthen systems,
or religions, that held men bound. It was not the Judgment Day, but it was commencing an era of preliminary judgment.
Peter said in 1 Peter 4:17, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God." First Timothy 3:15
tells us that "the house of God" is "the church of the living God." This "wrath of the Lamb," was judgment coming
forth from the Church of God against those earthen systems that held men bound.
Isaiah 28:17 says, "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep
away the refuge of lies [the only thing that can sweep away lies is truth; thus, this judgment is solid truth], and the
waters shall overflow the hiding place." Truth causes honest men and women to come from their religious hiding places
and go where they can hear the unadulterated truth and be able to worship God in the manner in which God ordained.
This is what the Revelation writer and the writer of the Gospel of Matthew were teaching. This was an era of time
when Christ sent forth His ministry to gather back His people from where they were scattered in the winds of doctrine
through the dark and cloudy day. Thank God, those who came out had power and great glory. Jesus said that those who
did not come out went into darkness and blackness as sackcloth and ended up in a pitiful condition.
May God help us to ever be very careful how we handle the truth as the Spirit of God presents it to us, for we are
choosing either our salvation or damnation according to how we respond to the truth.

CHAPTER SEVEN
SPIRITUAL TRUTHS AND VISIONS RESTORED

IN THE SIXTH SEAL
(A.D. 1880-1930)
Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,
holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any
tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with
a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God
in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and
four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
5 Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and
kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes,
and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto
the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell
before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and
might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes?
and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that
sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any
heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living
fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
The Time Setting of This Text
Revelation, Chapter 7, begins with the conjunction "And," which in this context immediately reverts us back
to the preceding verses (Revelation 6:12-17). These verses deal with the period of time known as "the sixth seal"
(Revelation 6:12). Revelation 7:1 begins, "And after these things I saw . . . ." After the sixth seal was opened, or
understanding had been given in that period of time, the Revelator declared, "I saw."

The "he" spoken of in Revelation 6:12 ("he had opened the sixth seal") is Christ. The preceding noun is found in
Revelation 6:1, which tells us that "the Lamb opened one of the seals." The figurative expression "of the Lamb" refers
to Jesus Christ, according to John 1:29. The word "opened" in Revelation 6:12 portrays the opening of spiritual
understanding to a people, or in this case during an era of time. The brethren who traveled to Emmaus said in Luke
24:32, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"
The Amplified Bible renders it thus: ". . . and as he opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures?" So, this
firmly places the time frame of our Scripture text in the sixth-seal period of time.
Four Angels
What did John see or receive understanding concerning? Revelation 7:1 reads, ". . . I saw four angels standing
on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth . . . ." Again, we must be reminded that the
nature of the Revelation is figurative, or symbolic. If we did not know that from any other text, we would know that
from this passage. Why? Because there are not four literal corners of the earth. The "four corners of the earth" is
a common expression representing all directions: north, south, east, and west–the entirety of the earth. It is an all-
inclusive statement. It implies universality or entirety. What does it signify spiritually? It must have a spiritual
connotation, because there is an angel associated with it. Let us examine it closely: ". . . I saw four angels [These were
not celestial beings. The Greek word is aggelos, meaning 'messenger or minister.' These four angels represent a
ministry. To understand who this ministry is, notice what they were doing and where they were located.] standing on
the four corners of the earth . . . ." Here is a picture of a ministry with a level of understanding that was not very
high. They were "standing," or occupying, an earthly position. This is in distinct contrast to Revelation 10:1-2, which
speaks of "another mighty angel . . . [who] set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth." He
intentionally set his feet there for a purpose. In Revelation 7:1 the angels were merely "standing."
John saw those same "four angels" in Revelation 9:14. It states, "Saying to the sixth angel [this is the same time
period: 1880-1930] . . . Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." Those "four angels" were
bound in the "great river Euphrates." What does this river represent? The "great river Euphrates" flowed through the
midst of old literal Babylon and was Babylon's lifeline. Ancient Babylon was divided into two parts by the Euphrates
river. According to Holman's Bible Dictionary: "The Euphrates was known as the great river (Genesis 15:18 and
Joshua 1:4). The Euphrates is the largest and most important river in western Asia. Many significant cities were located
on the Euphrates; Babylon being the most important."
Euphrates symbolizes being right in the midst of spiritual Babylon. Where were these "four angels"? Revelation
9:14 tells us they were "bound in the great river Euphrates." In other words, they were bound right in the midst of
spiritual Babylon. When Revelation 7:1 says the angels were "standing on the four corners of the earth," what does
this portray? "Earth" is a picture of man (2 Corinthians 4:7 and 2 Corinthians 5:1). "Four corners" denote entirety
or in all directions. Babylon (Revelation 18:4) represents religious confusion. Put it all together, and you will see this
is speaking of the entirety of earthly, man-made religious confusion. These "angels" were a ministry of the prior
periods, and though they had some light and truth, the predominate condition was that they were bound by the
Euphrates. Life in Babylon had them bound.
The Four Winds of the Earth
What limited their understanding and caused those "angels" to be holding "the four winds of the earth"? Go
back to Daniel 7:2-3. It reads: ". . . the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came
up from the sea, diverse one from another." This sea is the same sea John saw in Revelation 13:1. Holman's
Concordance defines sea as simply "a body of water." The Scriptures verify this. Genesis 1:10 says, "And God called
the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of waters called he Seas." Seas is the gathering together of waters. In
prophetic, or Revelation, language, what is water? Revelation 17:15 says that the "waters . . . are peoples, and
multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Water represents people, and a sea is just a gathering together of a mass of
water, representing a mass move, or a great number of people.
What did Daniel see in Daniel 7:2, when he spoke of "four winds"? These "winds" are the spirits that gave these
systems life. "Winds" is a dual symbol. First, we want to consider them as representing spirits. Look at Jesus' words

in John 3:8: "The wind bloweth where it listeth . . . : so is every one that is born of the Spirit." Here Jesus equated the
wind with the Spirit. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:2 of "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit." Look
at what Ezekiel said concerning the "four winds" in Ezekiel 37:9: ". . . Come from the four winds, O breath, and
breathe upon these slain, that they may live." Those "four angels" were the ministry that originated during the dark
and cloudy day. They were the rulers of sectarianism, those whose understanding was bound by Babylon. A false spirit
was using the ministry to promote systems and give life to systems that were not scripturally sound. Those "angels"
were holding, or in control of and promoting, many false doctrines. It was the promotion by those spirits that gave these
false systems life.
Let us look at the second part of this dual symbol. "Winds" represent false spirits, but they also represent that
which the false spirits gave rise to: "every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). False spirits give rise to false doctrines.
This is what starts false systems. A false spirit always precedes a false doctrine. This is why you must "take heed to
your spirit" (Malachi 2:16). By those men failing to walk in light, they created systems and devised teachings that were
promoted by spirits. Those spirits held them bound in Babylon and caused them to hold forth their doctrines to men
in their period of time. This is why Revelation 7:1 tells us that "the wind [the Holy Spirit] should not blow," or have
free course in false religion.
These "four angels" were the previous trumpet angels: the first was from A.D. 270 to A.D. 530; the second was
from A.D. 1530 to A.D. 1730; the third was from A.D. 1730 to A.D. 1880; and the fourth was from A.D. 1730 to A.D.
1880. They were the second, third, fourth, and fifth trumpet angels. The true Spirit was, as Revelation 11:3 declares,
"clothed in sackcloth," or in mourning. Why was the Spirit in mourning? Revelation 11:2 says, ". . . the holy city [the
church, according to Revelation 21:2 and Hebrews 12:22-23] shall they tread under foot forty and two months." The
message on the church as a visible, separate, unified body was obscured, and the church went out of public view during
this period of time ("forty and two months"). If you give thirty days to a Jewish calendar month, thirty times forty-two
equals one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
By giving prophetic time reckoning of each day for a year (Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34), twelve hundred sixty
days equals twelve hundred and sixty years, which is the time from A.D. 270 to A.D. 1530. This was the Dark Ages,
a time when the church was obscured from public view. During the time period of A.D. 1530-1880 (the Protestant era),
Revelation 11:8 says, "And their dead bodies [the Word and the Spirit] shall lie in the street of the great city . . . ."
Revelation 18:10 tells us it is "that great city Babylon." To understand why, go back to our text in Revelation 7:1, and
you will read that "the wind [the Holy Spirit] should not blow" during this time (the papal and Protestant eras). Men
gave gifts to one another. Revelation 11:10 says that they "shall send gifts one to another" rather than allow the Holy
Spirit to give the gifts.
Why was this a dark and cloudy day? Look at Revelation 7:1 again: ". . . that the wind should not blow on the
earth [Revelation 13:11 tells us the 'earth' is Protestantism], nor on the sea . . . ." Revelation 13:1 tells us the beast
that came up out of the "sea" was papalism. The "sea" was papal rule–A.D. 270-530 and A.D. 530-1530–and the
"earth" was Protestantism–A.D. 1530-1730 and A.D. 1730-1880. Sadly, during these periods of time, truth was not
loose. When the "vine of the earth" was portrayed as being reaped (Revelation 14:19), the length of what was being
reaped was revealed as "a thousand and six hundred furlongs" (Revelation 14:20), or approximately A.D. 270-1880.
The Holy Spirit was not able to work in full capacity during those times.
Verse 1 continues, ". . . nor on any tree." Jesus reduced all humanity to either a good tree or a corrupt tree in
Matthew 7:17. So, regardless of which one they were during the dark and cloudy day, there were truths that no "tree"
saw or understood. But in our text, this was getting ready to change. Under this sixth-seal ministry, we first saw
conditions as they were in sectarianism and as they had been in the dark and cloudy day. Then John saw another scene.
In Revelation 7:2 he said, "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God."
Here was "another angel," separate and distinct from the "four angels" in verse 1. Notice that this "angel" came
after the first "four angels." This different and distinct "angel" that succeeded them was the sixth angel, or the sixth-
seal ministry.
Notice that this "angel" was not "bound in the great river Euphrates" (Revelation 9:14). He was not bound by
Babylon, bound to teach what they taught or approved. He was not holding forth false systems to men. He came
"ascending from the east" (Revelation 7:2). "East" is the direction from which the sun rises, the direction from
which light ascends. Here was a ministry that had light, or understanding. Light is synonymous with understanding.
Psalm 119:130 says, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Here was a

ministry who had light, ascending light, not just some truths but progressive truth. Therefore, several things became
clear, and several things occurred during this ministry.
The Seal in Their Foreheads
We read in Revelation 7:1-3: ". . . four angels standing on the four corners of the earth . . . . and he cried with
a loud voice to the four angels . . . Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed
the servants of our God in their foreheads." What is the lesson? In his prophetic writings, Ezekiel spoke of a time
when an end would come to these systems and judgment would be put on them. (Look at Ezekiel 7:1-9.) Ezekiel 7:2
reads, "An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land." Ezekiel prophesied that an end would come to the
rule of man; judgment was coming.
Ezekiel 7:3 says that "I . . . will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine
abominations." Certainly, Babylon (false religion) is full of abominations (Revelation 13:6; Revelation 17:4), but our
text says something must happen first. Revelation 7:3 tells us this will not happen "till we have sealed the servants
of our God in their foreheads." What is the seal a figure of? Ephesians 1:13 speaks of being "sealed with that holy
Spirit of promise," and Ephesians 4:30 warns us to "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed." The seal
is a picture of the Holy Spirit bringing a revelation of truth, or as Ephesians 1:18 says, "The eyes of your understanding
being enlightened."
Notice that Revelation 7:3 says they were "sealed . . . in [not on] their foreheads." What is "in" our foreheads?
Our minds. Remember, we are speaking figuratively. Look back at Ezekiel 3:8-9: ". . . thy forehead strong against their
foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead." They were not going to have a head-butting
contest. God was warning Ezekiel to not let their rebellion and their apostasy change his mind or his thinking. Child
of God, keep your mind as solid in truth as a flint is solid.
Revelation 7:4 says, "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred
and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." What is this an expression of? What was
the light this ministry had? This ministry was back to the light of the morning time in regards to a clear message
concerning the church. They saw a clear vision of the church. The body of Christ is singular and the entirety of the
saints compose its members. This is why John said, they have "sealed the servants" before they "hurt the earth and
the sea." The Spirit must give ones a divine revelation of truth concerning the church before judgment can be put on
falsity and people can be called out. Without first getting the seal "in their foreheads," without understanding of the
Apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42) and without a revelation of the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:18 and without an
understanding of what God desires, it is difficult to lay judgment out and call people out of falsity. Before the sixth-seal
brethren were ready to give Babylon a cup, or pour out judgment on her, God had to get them back to the light of the
morning concerning the message on the church. Thus, the scene changed and John saw the "hundred and forty and
four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel" (Revelation 7:4). This represents a revelation of truth that
had been lost sight of since the morning time. It was a picture, in figurative expressions, of the institution of the New
Testament church and its successful transition from the old Jewish economy to the New Testament economy.
Revelation 14:20 tells us they were "without the city . . . by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs." This
was approximately sixteen hundred years, from A.D. 270 to A.D. 1880. During this period of time, a vision of the New
Testament church as a sealed, separate, distinct people who have a knowledge of truth and operate as a distinct visible
entity had been lost. This clear message and vision of the church had to be restored. The sixth-seal ministry first
received a vision of the New Testament church concerning when and how she was originally instituted. Remember,
we are dealing in symbolic language. John spoke of "all the tribes of the children of Israel" (Revelation 7:4) as
emblematic of that entity which incorporates all the children, or people of God, in the New Testament era– the church.
They were receiving a clear vision of the institution of the church and its origination.
The Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand
We read in Revelation 7:4-8: "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed
an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah were
sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed

twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand."
As we begin to consider these verses, we are first introduced to "the number of them which were sealed" (verse
4). This "number" has great significance, but unfortunately it has also been the object of much speculation and
confusion. We must ever be reminded that the Revelation deals in symbolic expressions. It is written to convey spiritual
truths, not give literal expressions. Who were "them which were sealed," or what he enumerated as "an hundred
and forty and four thousand"? Revelation 14:1 also speaks of "an hundred forty and four thousand" and says that
they "stood on the mount Sion." Then Revelation 14:3 tells us that they were redeemed. Are these 144,000 literally
all who are going to be redeemed? Certainly not! After this initial scene of the "sealed," the Revelator declared in
Revelation 7:9, "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and
kindreds, and people, and tongues . . . ." So, this portrayal of "an hundred and forty and four thousand"
(Revelation 7:4) does not literally represent all who will be redeemed, or saved. Rather, it serves as a figurative
representation to convey a truth.
Why the number "an hundred and forty and four thousand"? Why was this seemingly odd numerical expression
used? The reason is that one hundred forty-four is a multiple of twelve, and twelve holds a special place in the
Scriptures. There were twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel (Genesis 35:22). There were twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis
49:28). There were the twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:5). There were twenty-four courses of the Levitical Jewish
priesthood (1 Chronicles 24:1, 4). Also, there are twelve months in a year.
Let us look at each of these examples. Genesis 35:22 tells us that "the sons of Jacob were twelve." This represented
the complete, or entire, male lineage of Jacob. The twelve tribes represented the entirety of Israel, the complete nation.
The twelve Apostles represented the entirety of the Apostles of the initially instituted New Testament church. The
twenty-four courses of priests were all the Levitical priesthood. In each case it was the entirety of them, or the complete
number. Twelve months comprise a complete year. Therefore, twelve is a figurative expression of completeness,
entirety, or perfection.
One scholar said: "The number one hundred forty-four thousand stands not for limitations, but it stands for
completeness and perfection. It is made of twelve multiplied by twelve, the perfect square, and then rendered even more
inclusive and complete by being multiplied by one thousand. So far from being a limited and selected number, this
number, in Jewish imagery, is the number that is inclusive, perfect and complete."
Literal Israel Broken Off
Revelation 7:4 says, ". . . of all the tribes of the children of Israel." The "tribes of the children of Israel"
represent all of God's people, the chosen people, those who in the Old Testament economy enjoyed God's favor and
His presence. They were the ones with whom He made covenants, to whom He revealed Himself, and to whom He gave
the promises. But when Jesus, the promised Messiah came, something happened. A transition took place. John 1:11
says, "He came unto his own [the Jewish nation], and his own received him not." To whom did He come, and to whom
was He sent? In Matthew 15:24 Jesus said, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
Overall, what was the response of the leaders of the Jewish nation? Luke 19:14 tells us, "But his citizens hated him,
and sent a message after him saying, We will not have this man to reign over us." By the time of the Advent of Christ,
Judaism was so corrupted that Jesus said in Matthew 15:8-9: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and
honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men." Conditions were so adverse that Jesus cleansed the temple twice. In John 2:13-17 we read
of the first time He cleansed the temple. He said in John 2:16, ". . . make not my Father's house an house of
merchandise." The second time He cleansed it is found in Matthew 21:12-13. Verse 13 reads, "My house shall be called
the house of prayer."
The third and final time Jesus left the temple, He wept and made that fateful pronouncement in Matthew 23:38:
"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Notice the transition. It went from "my Father's house" to "my house"
and then to "your house." And with that fateful pronouncement, the exclusive position of the Jewish nation ended.

Ephesians 2:11-14 tells us: ". . . ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh . . . [who] were without Christ, being aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in
the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our
peace, who hath made both one [Jew and Gentile], and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." As
a nation, old literal Israel was broken off because of their unbelief. Romans 11:21 declares that "God spared not the
natural branches," or the natural Jewish lineage. Why? Romans 11:20 says it was "because of unbelief they were
broken off." Today, if they want to enjoy this New Testament experience, they must come the same way all come: "For
through him ['Christ Jesus,' according to verse 13] we both [natural Jew and Gentile] have access by one Spirit unto
the Father" (Ephesians 2:18).
Jesus prophesied that this would occur. He said in Matthew 21:43, "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God
shall be taken from you . . . ." Whom was He addressing? Matthew 21:23 and 31 read: "And when he was come into
the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him . . . . Jesus saith unto them . . . ." Verse 45 tells
us, "And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them." Those men
were representatives and leaders of the Jewish nation.
An All-Inclusive Nation
Notice what Jesus said in Matthew 21:43: "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you
[the old Jewish nation], and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." Remember, the Kingdom of God is not
a literal entity, but rather a spiritual reality. Luke 17:21 tells us that "the kingdom of God is within you." Romans 14:17
says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink [not literal or temporal]; but righteousness, and peace, and joy
in the Holy Ghost." It is a spiritual reality. Go back to Jesus' words in Matthew 21:43. He said the kingdom would be
"given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." What are these fruits? John the Baptist spoke to the same kind of
people in Matthew 3:7-8: "Pharisees and Sadducees." He told them in verse 8, "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for
repentance."
When Jesus spoke of "a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof," He was speaking of repentance. In other words,
this "nation" are those who repent. Matthew 21:44 says that those who "fall on this stone shall be broken." Psalm 51:17
says, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." What is
the picture? When one comes in old-time Bible repentance, falls on the Stone (Jesus Christ, according to Acts 4:10-11
and Ephesians 2:20) with a broken and contrite spirit, and really brings forth the fruit, it produces an experience to
where the "kingdom of God shall be . . . given" (Matthew 21:43).
Let us look a little closer at this nation to see who it is comprised of, what it is, and who it consists of. Matthew
21:44 tells us it is "whosoever." Therefore, the nation actually is all inclusive. It is not to a literal or biological race
or to those who experience a literal birth, but rather it is for those who have met the conditions for a spiritual
experience, or spiritual birth. When one meets the conditions and gains this kingdom experience, he or she becomes
a part of that "nation" (Matthew 21:43).
What is this "nation"? The Apostle Peter referred to it in 1 Peter 2:9 as "an holy nation." To read what this holy
nation is, go to Paul's words in Galatians 6:15-16: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision [in other words, the literal condition is not important, or not an issue here], but a new creature. And
as many as walk according to this rule, [What is the rule? Being a new creature.] peace be on them, and mercy, and
upon the Israel of God."
What constitutes a new creature, or being in Christ? Look at 2 Corinthians 5:17. It states, "Therefore if any man
[notice it is all inclusive: 'any man'; Titus 2:11 says, 'For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all
men'] be in Christ [a portrayal of the intimate oneness with Christ that can only come through salvation], old things
are passed away [a reference to the things of the old Jewish economy–2 Corinthians 5:16]; behold, all things are
become new." A new day has commenced. Second Corinthians 6:2 calls it "the day of salvation." A new era has begun.
The literal condition, circumcision or uncircumcision, is unimportant. What is important? Becoming "a new creature"
(Galatians 6:15). Galatians 6:16 says, "And as many as walk according to this rule [referring back to verse 15, the rule
of being a new creature], peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Who is the Israel of God in this
New Testament dispensation? Those who "walk according to this rule" of being a new creature are the Israel of God.

The Israel of God
Who is this "nation" (Matthew 21:43), or "an holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9)? Galatians 6:16 tells us it is "the Israel of
God." To understand what the term Israel actually means, go back to when it was initially used (Genesis 32:24-30).
I might digress momentarily to dispel a common misconception concerning Genesis 32:24-30. It is commonly
accepted (and I have even seen portraits portray this) that Jacob wrestled with an angel. Please examine this passage.
Nowhere is the term angel mentioned or even remotely alluded to. Jacob said in Genesis 32:24 that he "wrestled a
man." Who was this man? Notice the special qualities he had. Genesis 32:27 tells us, "And he said unto him, What is
thy name? And he said, Jacob," which means "supplanter or trickster." This man drew Jacob out to confession. Then,
Genesis 32:28 says, "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel." Here we see a conversion, or a change. This
is a type of salvation. What makes one an "Israel"? He wrestled (portraying conviction), then confessed of who and
what he was, and then was converted.
What does Israel mean? Genesis 32:28 tells us, ". . . hast thou power with God . . . and hast prevailed." The name
Israel in the Hebrew literally means "prevails with God." Thus, "the Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16) are those who walk
according to this rule of being "a new creature" (Galatians 6:15), or those who have wrestled (or been convicted),
confessed, and ultimately been converted; those who have had power with God and have prevailed.
With whom did Jacob wrestle? Who makes conversion possible? In Genesis 32:30 Jacob cried, ". . . I have seen
God face to face . . . ." Now, no one can see God the Father and live (Exodus 33:20). So, who did Jacob see? Genesis
32:24 says it was "a man," and Genesis 32:30 says it was "God." Jacob saw God, the "man": Jesus Christ. Who else
can bring conversion to a man? Acts 4:12 tells us only Jesus Christ can. This account in Genesis is a clear type of
salvation. So, "Israel" includes all those who walk according to this rule: become a new creature and have power with
God.
Romans 2:28-29 says: "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward
in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the
letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." It is not a natural lineage that makes you part of "Israel," but a divine
birth, a divine experience. Galatians 3:29 reads, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according
to the promise." I trust that you can understand that when Revelation 7:4 speaks of "all the tribes of the children of
Israel," we are actually seeing a vision of the church. James 1:1 tells of "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad."
Acts 8:1 explains, saying, "And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;
and they were all scattered abroad . . . ."
The famous Scottish expositor, Dr. William Barclay, wrote concerning this passage: "It is the church which is the
Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). It is the Christians who are the real circumcision, those who worship God in the Spirit,
who rejoice in Jesus Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Even if this passage is stated in terms
of the twelve tribes of Israel, the reference is still to the Church of God, which is the new Israel, the Israel of God."
The lesson in these verses is that there was a successful, complete, and entire transition from the old economy to
the new and how that the transition was complete and entire. Just as God had a nation in the old economy that
represented the entirety of His people, so He does in the new. This vision of oneness, of entirety, of God's people being
one nation, a compacted people, had been lost sight of in the dark and cloudy day. Before the sixth-seal ministry could
begin to herald a call against Babylon and before God could lead them on to other divine revelations, God had to bring
them again to Zion (Isaiah 52:8) and give them a divine revelation of these blessed morning-time truths.
The Twelve Tribes
Let us read Revelation 7:5-8: "Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben
were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed
twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed
twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve
thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve
thousand." As we view this particular reckoning of the "tribes of the children of Israel" (Revelation 7:4), we notice
that this is unique and singular. In no other place throughout the Scriptures are the "tribes" reckoned, or listed, in this

manner. Now, as with everything in the Revelation, there is a reason and a significance in this. This listing is singular
and unique because it represents something singular and unique.
When James penned his epistle to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1), whom was he
addressing? In James 1:2 he wrote, "My brethren." We also read "My brethren" in James 2:1 and in James 3:1. What
"brethren" was he referring to? James 2:1 reads, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord
of glory, with respect of persons." James addressed his epistle to those "which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1). To
see who was "scattered abroad," look at Acts 8:3. It says, "As for Saul, he made havock of the church . . . ." Also, Acts
8:4 says, "Therefore they [the church] that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." So those
"scattered abroad," or the "twelve tribes," are a representation of the church. This representation shows a complete and
entire transition from the old economy to the new. Since this description of the tribes is singular and unique, it serves
as a very apt representation of the church, which also is singular and unique.
Why this particular listing of the "tribes"? Why is "Judah" listed first although "Reuben" was older? Why the
omission of Dan and the inclusion of "Manasses"? First, let us look at why "Judah" is first. This tribe is listed first
because this is the tribe from which the Messiah came. Revelation 5:5 refers to Christ as "the Lion of the tribe of Juda."
Notice that in this listing the tribe of Dan is omitted. What significance does this hold? It must be remembered that
much of the imagery of the Revelation is Hebrew imagery, and to the Hebrew Rabbins, Dan symbolized idolatry and
evil. We read in Judges 18:30, "And the children of Dan set up the graven image." The golden calves that were idols
set up before the people were, as 1 Kings 12:29 declares, set in Bethel and the other in Dan. So in Rabbinic symbolism,
Dan stood for idolatry and evil. Some Jewish teachers have used Jeremiah 8:16 to teach that an antichrist would spring
from the tribe of Dan. Since this tribe of Dan, to the Hebrews, represented idolatry, evil, and to some an antichrist,
needless to say, it could not be used to represent any portion of the New Testament church. Certainly, in the New
Testament church, there is no idolatry, there is no evil, and there is certainly no antichrist. Hence, no tribe of Dan is
found in the reckoning of the tribes.
In this listing of the "tribes," notice that the absence of Dan is replaced with "Manasses." Manasseh was the son
of Joseph (Genesis 41:51). Just as with all Hebrew names, the name Manasseh had a significance. The actual meaning
of the name is "forgetfulness." Each of the names of these tribes represents characteristics and attributes that are found
in the New Testament church. Daniel 9:9 declares, "To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses . . . ."
Micah 7:19 declares, ". . . thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." This attribute of forgetfulness portrays
God's graciousness and forgetfulness towards "sins that are past" when we take "faith in his blood" (Romans 3:25).
Each of these "tribes," a part of old Israel, represents a part of the church.
The Evening-Time Message
In Revelation 7:9 John penned, "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number
. . . clothed with white robes . . . ." The scene before John changed, and he declared "after this," letting us know
that we have now progressed on to a time past the morning time. John was very familiar with the morning-time church,
and when he received this vision of the institution of the church in the morning time (Revelation 7:4-8), he never
raised a question. However, when the scene changed (verse 9), John saw "a great multitude . . . clothed with white
robes, and palms in their hands." Here was a group of people he was not familiar with, a group he did not recognize.
In Revelation 7:13 John asked, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?"
Why did John not recognize them? After the sixth-seal brethren got a vision of the pattern, a vision of that which
was "from the beginning" (1 John 1:1), they set out with a message that produced the evening-time church. Here John
was seeing the result of their message: the evening-time church. Let us examine it. First, what produced this "great
multitude, which no man could number" (Revelation 7:9)? This was not a localized truth, but rather an all-
inclusive, universal message. For verse 9 continues, ". . . of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues . . . ."
Is the message of the church–the oneness of the body, of the one fold–a universal message? Certainly so! Look at Jesus'
words in John 10:16: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear
my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Then Isaiah 56:8 says, "The Lord GOD , which gathereth the
outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."

Look at Ezekiel 34:6-15. It says: "My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea,
my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Therefore, ye shepherds,
hear the word of the LORD ; As I live, saith the Lord GOD , surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became
meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the
shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD ; Thus saith the
Lord GOD ; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from
feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth,
that they may not be meat for them. For thus saith the Lord GOD ; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek
them out.
"As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my
sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will
bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed
them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good
pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture
shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord
GOD ." Is this a universal message? Certainly so! The clarion call of this age, even as our age, is found in Revelation
18:4, which says to "Come out of her, my people." This message is to all of God's people everywhere.
What else do we see about this evening-time message? It produced "Salvation" (Revelation 7:10) and victory
in holiness. How do we know? They had "palms in their hands" (Revelation 7:9). Raised hands portray victory and
agreement. Also, Nehemiah 8:6 reads, "And Ezra blessed the LORD , the great God. And all the people answered, Amen,
Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD . . . ." We know that they also
had a clear holiness message, because Revelation 7:9 tells us that they were "clothed with white robes." Verse 13
says that they were "arrayed in white robes." What does this represent? Revelation 19:8 states, "And to her [verse
7 tells us this is the Lamb's wife] was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen
is the righteousness of the saints." Here we receive understanding of several truths. In Revelation 7:9 "white robes"
represent righteousness. If the "robes" are the "righteousness of saints" (Revelation 19:8), then it is safe to conclude
that those in the "robes" are the saints. So this "great multitude, which no man could number" (Revelation 7:9)
refers to the saints.
What else do we see about the message they had? They had salvation, they had the holiness message, and they had
the truth concerning the church. Was it a clear message? Look at Revelation 7:9, which tells us a "great multitude
. . . stood before the throne, and before the Lamb." They realized that there was nothing, other than the message,
between a man and Christ. No pope, priest, preacher, or system stood between. First Timothy 2:5 tells us that "there
is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Man's Accountability to God
The sixth-seal brethren had a clear message of man's accountability to God. Concerning man's soul, they clearly
saw man's position: nothing between his soul and his Savior. They also saw a clear message on divine order and church
government. John saw the "throne" (Revelation 7:9), the "angels," "elders," and then the "four beasts," or the
saints (Revelation 7:11), showing a definite structure to the church. How do we know that this is the evening-time
church? Look where they came from. Revelation 7:14 reads, ". . . These are they which came out of great tribu-
lation . . . ." What immediately preceded the sixth seal? The Protestant era. What was the "great tribulation" they
came out of? Remember, we are dealing in symbolic expressions. It represents sectarianism and sectarian rule. The
greatest "tribulation" an honest heart can ever experience is to be bound by a system and unable to enjoy full truth
and fellowship with the rest of the saints. This was the tribulation that souls under the altar were experiencing in
Revelation 6:9-11. This is why they were crying for judgment to be poured out (Revelation 6:10).
How do we know that this particular reference to "great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14) refers to sectarianism?
One reason is that that the acceptance of the message produced a full deliverance from sin and a clarity on holiness.
In Revelation 7:14 we read that they "washed their robes." Embracing this message had a spiritual quality that they
were not receiving in Babylon, or they would not have needed to be washed. If nothing else, they needed cleansed from

the sin of division. When they "came out" (the call of this era, according to Revelation 7:14 and Revelation 18:4),
look what they came to. Revelation 7:15 tells us, "Therefore are they before the throne of God [back to a position
where a man can live in the presence of God], and serve him day and night [not in eternity, but here and now, while
time is still standing] in his temple." What does the "temple" signify? The church.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16 we read, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God . . . ?" Who is the "ye" that he was
addressing here? First Corinthians 1:2 tells us Paul was writing "unto the church of God." Hence, the "temple" is the
Church of God. Read 2 Corinthians 6:16. It says, "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are
the temple of the living God." Again, whom was Paul addressing? Second Corinthians 1:1 tells us it was "the church
of God." I trust you can see that the "temple" is a reference to the church (Revelation 7:15). We find in Revelation
7:16-17: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of
waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." This merely portrays the spiritual benefits enjoyed
when one is in a true congregation of the Church of God.
Revelation 7:16 reads, "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more." There is no famine where the
truth is, as there is in Babylon (Amos 8:11-12). It is Canaan land, a land that flows with milk and honey, or the Word
and the Spirit. People can lie down, be satisfied, and receive all that their souls stand in need of.
According to our text, all of this took place during this sixth-seal period of time. We know this is true because the
next chapter begins with, "And when he had opened the seventh seal . . . ." Therefore, Revelation 8:1 begins with the
seventh seal, letting us know that Chapter 7 deals with that period of time known as the sixth seal, from A.D. 1880
to A.D. 1930.

CHAPTER EIGHT
THE SEVENTH SEAL

(A.D. 1930 - Second Advent)
Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space
of half an hour.
2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
The Seventh Seal Was Opened While Christ Was Still a Lamb
Here we have a very abbreviated passage of Scripture text. Yet, this text conveys volumes of spiritual truths
pertaining to the day and time in which you and I live. As we begin to view our text, we can see that we are down to
that seventh and final seal. If you will go back to Revelation, Chapter 5, you will read that the book was sealed on the
backside with seven seals. This book is God's eternal Word. The significance of "seven seals" is that through the form,
or the vehicle, of these seals John took us down through the seven periods of time that comprise this Gospel Day, or
Christian dispensation.
In this chapter we want to consider the opening of the "seventh seal," and thereby complete our study of this very
vital seal series. Although Revelation 8:1 begins a chapter, we must realize that the Bible in its original form was not
broken up into chapters and verses. Man did that many years subsequent to its writing merely to give you and me a
ready reference. Notice that our text (Revelation 8:1) begins with a conjunction: "And." That word unites verse 1
with the preceding verses and chapters, letting us know it is a continuation of the preceding portion.
Let us examine this Scripture text. Revelation 8:1 says, "And when he had opened the seventh seal . . . ." The
antecedent of this pronoun "he "reverts us right back to the beginning of the seals series in Revelation 6:1. It says,
"And I saw when the Lamb . . . ." Here the word "Lamb" has a capital "L," denoting that this is a proper noun. That
becomes very important when we study this "seventh seal." Why? There are some who teach that the "seventh seal"
is not for this time world; it is not for the here and now; it is for the eternal realm.
Some people say, "The seventh seal corresponds with the seventh trumpet, and the last trump is the one that Christ
will blow when He comes again." There is only one thing wrong with that. All seven of those seals were opened when
Christ was a "Lamb." When He comes again, He will not be a "Lamb." He will come the second time, Hebrews 9:28
says, "without sin unto salvation." He will not come as a sacrifice, to deal with sin, but He will come as a judge. He
will no longer be the "Lamb of God."
Christ opened all seven seals while time was still standing, while redemption was still being offered, and while
He was still the "Lamb of God." The reference in Revelation 6:1 to "the Lamb" is a biblical figure of Christ. When
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, [How long is He a Lamb? Only while He is
taking away . . .] the sin of the world" (John 1:29). When Christ comes the second time, He will not be taking any sin
away. When time reels into eternity, He will not be the Lamb of God; He will not be dealing with sin.
It is important to understand when the "seventh seal" was "opened," for this takes on significance in this
particular "seal." First Peter 1:18 talks about being "redeemed." How are you redeemed? Verse 19 says it is "with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb." However, when time reels into eternity, there will no longer be any blood to
cleanse; there will be no remission for sins. He is only a Lamb while He takes away the sin of the world. Right now
Christ is our advocate (1 John 2:1). But in His second advent, when He splits the clouds, He will not be a lamb, a
sacrifice for sin, but rather He will be our judge. The Bible tells us that He is now on the mercy seat showing the sure
mercies of David (Isaiah 55:3-4). But on that day, Paul said in Corinthians, He will be on the judgment seat. He will
be changing positions. We read in 2 Timothy 4:1, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who
shall judge [who? the Lord Jesus Christ] the quick [the alive] and the dead at his appearing . . . ." At His appearing,
He is going to appear as a judge. I trust that you can see the time setting for our lesson in Revelation 8:1-2 is here and
now, while time is yet standing.

The Opening of the Seal Brings Understanding
Revelation 8:1 tells us that "he" (the Lamb) "opened the seventh seal." We know from previous chapters that
the seal is the Holy Ghost. (Read Ephesians 1:13 and Ephesians 4:30.) Christ is loosing the Holy Spirit of God to bring
understanding to a people in a particular era of time. Ephesians 1:17-18 confirms this by saying: "That the God of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened." It is the Spirit of God who brings revelation to you and me by
opening our understanding. One rendering says, "He illuminates our minds, where we can perceive and see truth, and
when we see and perceive and see truth, as revealed by the Spirit, using the Word, then we can see things in a more
clear manner and view them as God views them."
In the opening of every one of these seals, Jesus was actually letting the Holy Spirit help people to see conditions
in their particular day as God saw them. If there is anything we need today, it is to see conditions working as God sees
them. God is the only One who sits in a position where He can behold all (Isaiah 40:22). He is the only One who can
see all and knows all, and He knows all for every age.
The Need of the Seventh Seal
As we look at the opening of the "seventh seal," we see that the "seal" is the Spirit and the One who opens it is
Christ. The period of time we are now studying is from A.D. 1930 through to the Second Coming of Christ. As we look
at this text, the first question that looms to mind is, "Why did He have to open the 'seventh seal'?" In the sixth seal
there was a great earthquake. God finally moved His people into a position to where He could shake things up. The
sixth-seal brethren had a glorious message. It swept the globe. Why, with all the glory and majesty of the sixth seal,
did Jesus have to open the "seventh seal"? The answer is found in our text. "And when he had opened the seventh
seal, there was silence in heaven . . . ." Why did Christ have to open the "seventh seal"? Why was the sixth seal not
final in itself? Because a condition had taken hold to where "there was silence in heaven." This is not speaking of
God's Heaven, for there has never been "silence" in God's Heaven. If you make it to Heaven, you will find people
shouting, leaping, praising, and glorifying God. This "silence" is not referring to God's Heaven. There was never
"silence" there, and there never will be "silence" there.
A Third Heaven
There are three heavens in the Word of God. Let us go back and look at them. The very first heaven mentioned
in God's Word is found in Genesis 1:1, which reads, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." To find
out what this heaven is, drop down a few verses to Genesis 1:7-8: "And God made the firmament, and divided the
waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God
called the firmament Heaven." The first heaven mentioned in God's Word is the firmamental heaven, where the moon,
stars, and sun are hung. Another heaven is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:2. It says, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let
not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven . . . ." Solomon was not talking about the
firmamental heaven here, because God is not in the firmamental heaven. This verse is speaking about the celestial
Heaven, the place where God dwells. It is in the eternal realm.
The Bible mentions a third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2, saying, "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,
(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to
the third heaven." Paul talked about a third heaven, a place that is so glorious, at times you cannot tell if you are in the
body or out of the body. What is this third heaven? Ephesians 2:6 tells us it is an ecclesiastical heaven, an exalted
position in Christ Jesus. The Greek translation, according to The Emphatic Diaglott, says, "and raised us up together,
and seated us together in the HEAVENLIES , by Christ Jesus." That is right in the midst of the church. We are lifted up
above the realms of this old time world. It is an ecclesiastical heaven where one receives "visions and revelations of
the Lord" (2 Corinthians 12:1).
When John spoke of a "silence in heaven," it was something that transpired in this ecclesiastical heaven. Now,
the "seventh seal" comes right after the sixth seal, and the message of these sixth-seal brethren was, "Come out of her,

my people" (Revelation 18:4). God's people began coming out of earthly organizations, leaping and shouting back
home to Mount Zion, the true church. They had a glorious message; they held truth in an exalted position. The people
who embraced that truth were moved from the earthen condition they had been in (Protestantism) to an exalted position
in truth.
Soon following all this glory and power and manifestation of the glory of God, something happened. At one time
you could go to the campground at Anderson, Indiana, and visit a trophy room. There you could see the wheelchairs
and crutches that people no longer needed since God had healed them. Cancers that had fallen off peoples' faces were
in bottles of formaldehyde. They once had a whole room filled with trophies of what the power of God could do when
people held truth in the exalted position that it ought to be held in.
Today Anderson does not have a trophy room. Today they have a college. The emphasis is on higher education,
and men who do not believe God's Word are teaching those who are supposed to become ministers of the Gospel. Yet,
the teachers do not subscribe to, adhere to, or teach the truths held by the original sixth-seal brethren. Something has
happened. A "silence" moved right into this heavenly position.
Silence on Strong Points of Truth
As we look at Revelation 8:1, let us break it down. The truth portrayed here transpired in that ecclesiastical
heaven, or in other words, in heavenly places, in an exalted religious position. This should be a caution to us today.
If you are hearing the truth today, that does not guarantee that fifty years from now people attending the same
congregation you now attend will be hearing the truth. How long truth continues in any locality or in any life is totally
based on what you and I do with this truth. Just as soon as God sees we will not take it, He will move on down the road
to someone else and leave us alone. It is up to us as to whether we keep truth or have "silence." The sixth-seal brethren
once had truth. Some of these brethren had more power with God than some of us have seen in our lifetime. That ought
to cause us to be fearful and cautious.
What produced this "silence"? What was occurring? Toward the end of the sixth-seal period of time, God had so
honored those brethren and the message had been such a success that they had amassed a large number of people. I
have seen pictures of the Anderson camp meeting where the audiences numbered in the thousands. God had so blessed
them and honored their message that they had become very successful. They had amassed many people, a good amount
of finances and facilities, and favor with people. Because of this success, to keep favor with the people, they began
to "silence" on some of the more offensive points of the message.
The message on separation was not as clear and distinct and pointed as it once was. When those brethren came out
with the sixth-seal message, they had a clear-cut message of separation–God's people were to be separate and distinct
from all other religious bodies and all other systems. They were to come out and be separate. Yet, when one had a little
money behind him, a few people in the pews, and gained a little social standing, that became an offensive message.
So a spirit began to work to cause them to ease up, take some of the sharpness off, and cut a corner here or there.
However, when one cuts a corner, he is cutting off the power. We need to stand for the truth whether anyone likes it
or dislikes it, for that does not change truth one iota. If you are a saint, you will love it just the way it is.
The sixth-seal message on separation from Babylon started to become blurred. Second Corinthians 6:17 says,
"Wherefore come out from among them [all the previous systems of religion that you were raised in, exposed to, and
trained by, you are to leave them behind], and be ye separate . . . ." That means come out, stay out, leave it alone, and
do not touch it. Because if you do so, you are an abomination to God. Truth still draws some pretty fine lines, and if
you step over them, you are wrong.
If God has called you out, He does not want you going back. It is no better than when you left. As a matter of fact,
it is probably worse. You do not need to go back to their meetings, revivals, camp meetings, services, or be reading
their literature and buying their tapes. The real message on separation is still sharp and straight. Look again at 2
Corinthians 6:17. It reads, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . [how separate?] touch not
the unclean thing; and I will receive you." God was saying, "If you meet these conditions, I will receive you. But if you
do not meet these conditions, then do not expect Me to receive you." If you are not living according to the truth, do
not be surprised if you do not get an answer to your prayers.

The sixth-seal brethren preached these truths plain, straight, and strong. But something began to work, and they
eased up on them. There is always that temptation. No one, not even the most stalwart preacher, likes to stir people
and have to deal with them after he is finished preaching. Yet, truth will not upset the saints. Dear one, if there is
something about truth that upsets you, maybe you are an "ain't" instead of a saint.
Unfaithful to the Old Paths
Revelation 18:4 reads, "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, [Some of
God's people are down in Babylon, but they are not going to stay saved if they do not get out of there. Why? Read on.]
that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Anyone who stays in a system that is
contrary to God's Word can only stay a short time until he or she becomes just like that system. Why? Because you
are what you eat. If you eat something that is wrong, that is poison; you are going to end up wrong.
Near the end of the sixth-seal period, the message on separation was not as clear, as distinct, and as pointed as it
once was. The clear denunciation of Babylon was not as uncompromising as it had once been. When these brethren
first came out, look at their message: "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen,
is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and
hateful bird" (Revelation 18:2). That is a sharp denunciation of Babylon! When they came out preaching it strong and
pointed, without any compromise, denouncing Babylon for what she was, people could see the truth. Even though they
were ignorant and unlearned men, when they put out the truth unvarnished, without painting it up or doctoring it up,
they circled the globe with the truth.
A Cry for Societal Acceptability
Then something began to happen. First, as the older brethren died off, the younger brethren did not remain true
to the old paths. As the older brethren pass on, the younger brethren have a weighty responsibility to stand faithful and
true to the old paths. There is always a tendency, if God does not help, for second and third generation saints to not
realize the preciousness of this truth. Those who are first generation, those who came out of Babylon, know what
Babylon is. Babylon does not hold any attraction for them. However, those who have been raised in the truth, and have
not heard anything but truth, many times do not truly have the full understanding and appreciation of what God has
given to us. Therefore, if younger ministers are not very careful, they will be susceptible to failing to hold the standard
as high as it has been held before. Why? Because they do not see the necessity of it.
As the older brethren died off and younger brethren stepped into the ranks, a cry began for an educated clergy and
for societal acceptability. D. S. Warner, H. M. Riggle, W. A. Wilson, and others–men whom God called and used in
a mighty way–were farmers, grocery store clerks, and all kinds of common men. Today those "common men," no
matter how anointed and powerful they might have been, would not be allowed to preach in some supposed Church
of God pulpits. Why? Because now, the minister has to be educated. He must go to college and get a degree. Well, that
would leave out Jesus, Peter, and John, because they were "unlearned and ignorant men" (Acts 4:13). Yet, all those
educated ministers together could not accomplish what Peter and John did. The power is not in education; it is in
inspiration.
A cry started: "We have a lot of people now. The eyes of the world are on us. Don't you think we ought to polish
this thing up a little bit? We need an educated clergy. We should have a school so they can be taught." The Holy Ghost
is the Teacher, and you are not going to get Him on any payroll. The very things in the ranks of Protestantism they once
cried out against, they became infected with themselves. They began to do the very things that they had preached
against.
What was one of the things they did in Protestantism? Revelation 11:10 says, "And they that dwell upon the earth
[speaking of sectarian religion, this earthen Protestant beast that came up out of the earth when Protestantism had full
sway] shall rejoice over them [the two witnesses–the Word and the Spirit–laid dead in the streets; Protestantism would
not allow them to operate in sectarianism, and they still will not allow them to work today], and make merry, and shall
send gifts one to another."

What does it mean "shall send gifts one to another?" For example, to someone who looks presentable, dresses
nicely, and speaks well, people say, "You would make a good preacher." They give gifts one to another. They go
through school, pass the test, and answer the questions correctly, so the church says, "We will ordain you and make
you a preacher." They are giving gifts one to another. Nevertheless, Christ is the Only one who is to give the gifts. If
you want a gift, do not go and find a Bible college; you need to get down on your knees and get hold of the Holy Ghost.
If He sees you are a fit candidate, He will give you the gift.
You may ask, "How can you be sure of that?" Go to Ephesians 4:8. It says, "Wherefore he saith, When he [verse
7 tells us 'he' is Christ] ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." What did He give the
gifts for? To fill the offices of the church. Ephesians 4:11 reads, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." Who gave them? Christ gave them, not a college or a seminary,
but Christ. When the Anderson Movement started its downward move, they started giving gifts one to another. To
pacify the old brethren, such as F. G. Smith and H. M. Riggle, they made them Doctors of Divinity. They became Dr.
Smith and Dr. Riggle. I am not speaking against those older brethren. I am just describing what occurred to produce
this "silence in heaven." They were giving gifts one to another. That was the spirit that worked in Protestantism. Just
as Protestantism was an image to the beast, the Anderson Movement turned around and built an image to Protestantism.
Protestantism gave gifts; Anderson gave gifts. Protestantism had colleges; Anderson had colleges. Protestantism had
a headquarters; Anderson had a headquarters. They were no longer like the original brethren who came out with this
truth.
Glory Given to the System Instead of to God
Acts 4:13 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and
ignorant men, [They were not theologians. They did not have Doctor of Divinity degrees hanging after their names,
but they were bold.] they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." What is
necessary is that one has been with Jesus.
So we see that things began to get out of divine order. This is something we have to be careful of. When we preach
against or take a strong stand against anything, we will be tempted in that very area. It has often been said: "A chain
always breaks at its weakest link. You will always be tempted in your weakest area." No, that is not true! You are
expecting to be tempted in your weakest area, but where the devil hits you is where you are not looking, where you
think you are strong. The things you testify about and stand for strongly is right where the enemy wants to take you
down. Why? If he can get you to let down on these points, he proves God to be a liar.
The Anderson Movement was no longer comprised of ignorant and unlearned men who gave God the glory, but
rather they placed their honor and allegiance to that system. Go with me to Revelation, Chapter 16. Here are the seven
vial angels. All seven of them were poured out in the evening time–the sixth and seventh seals. The first three were
poured out in the sixth seal. Let us look at the fourth seal, which is poured out in the very day and time in which we
are living. Revelation 16:8 states, "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun." Earlier we found that the
"woman clothed with the sun" (Revelation 12:1) is a picture of the morning-time church. Judgment being poured out
is what this vial represents. (Read Revelation 15:1 and Revelation 16:1.) This vial was filled up with judgments of God.
The fourth angel, during this seventh-seal period of time, poured out his judgment on the sun, on that which had been
the New Testament church, the Anderson Movement of the Church of God. Again, I am not speaking of them as a
people, but I am dealing with the system.
Revelation 16:8-9 tells us: "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him
to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power
over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory." What happened? When education, college, and the school
took precedence, they no longer gave God the glory. Their pledge, their allegiance, and their glory went to that system.
If you would try to put truth on them, all that would happen is they would become scorched and burned up. They still
will not repent to give God the glory. They will just get hot (angry) at you.

Silence in Heaven
As the message began to be compromised and diluted to become more socially acceptable and less offensive to
sectarian brethren, the shouts and praises to God left the camp. A "silence in heaven" set in. If you quiet any part of
the message, a condition of silence will move in. To keep the praise of God, the shouts of God, and the presence of
God in the camp, you must sound forth the unvarnished, plain, unadulterated truth of God's Word. Whether you want
to believe it or not, we are still suffering from the effects of this "silence" today. Some of the older brethren would
ride the old buckboard wagons, and before they could even see the camp grounds, they could hear the saints shouting.
Church, we have lost something. Many are too proper to shout. It goes right back to social acceptability. One may say,
"What will everyone think if I shout?" What does it matter what anyone thinks? If God tells you to shout, you had
better get to shouting. If you do not do so, you are quenching the Spirit. Church, collectively we have not recovered
all that we should have. This "silence" is still affecting us.
When the sixth-seal message was first heralded, there was some praise and shouts and songs. Isaiah 35:10 says,
"And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they
shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." That is the way God's people came to Zion.
They did not come to Zion crying: "I have to leave my family. I was raised up in this organization; I put my money into
it for years; and I hate to leave it." No! When they saw the truth, they came leaping and shouting, with singing and
praises. They were so glad for truth that they forgot everything and everybody.
I want you to see what was there before the "silence" set in. Isaiah 51:11 reads, "Therefore the redeemed of the
LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; [One of the ways those brethren evangelized many communities
was to get on an old buckboard wagon and, as they headed into town, start singing. By the time they got to the other
end of town, they had drawn a crowd, and one of the brethren would stand upon the wagon and start preaching. There
had to be something to attract them.] and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: [Why do they have everlasting joy?
Revelation 14:6 speaks of the 'everlasting gospel,' and since the Gospel is an everlasting Gospel, the joy is an
everlasting joy. It lasts as long as the Gospel lasts.] they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall
flee away."
What is the "sorrow and mourning"? It is those people in the fifth seal who were under the altar, mourning the
conditions, crying out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell
on the earth?" (Revelation 6:10). In other words, "How long before You avenge or turn judgment loose on these
systems of men?" Once the judgment was turned loose and they could get loose from the systems of men and come
back to Zion, they no longer had to mourn over conditions.
The Glory Has Departed
When the saints first heard this evening-time message, they came leaping and shouting home to Zion. Back in the
days of the judges, when the presence of God was in the camp, there was great shouting. First Samuel 4:5-6 says: "And
when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that all the earth
rang again. [Shouting will do something. When the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they knew what it meant.]
. . . they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the
ark of the LORD was come into the camp." They knew that shouting meant that the presence of God was there.
Just as with the sixth-seal brethren, something happened in the camp of Israel. Disobedience had been working,
and because of that, the ark of God was taken; the presence of God was no longer in their midst. All of a sudden, the
shouting was silenced. They had not honored God's Word, and a great slaughter took place. The two sons of Eli,
Hophni and Phinehas, were slain, and the ark of God was taken. When the runner came back to tell Eli about it, he fell
off the porch backwards, broke his neck, and died. Phinehas' wife was with child and went into labor.
First Samuel 4:21-22 states: "And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because
the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from
Israel: for the ark of God is taken." What is the lesson? When disobedience enters into the camp of God's people, the
presence of God leaves, the shouting is silenced, and the place becomes "Ichabod." Many supposed churches today
that have the name Church of God ought to replace it with "Ichabod," for God is not there. The glory has departed.

The Ministry Began to Fight Against Truth
Some of the ministry who led people out of Babylon turned and warred against the same message and the same
people they had led out. We do not have to go back too far to see this spirit working. Some of the same people who
once helped with truth, shed light on our pathway, and stood for truth have had a spirit change. They now work against
the very things they once taught. That is exactly what produced this "silence." It is the antitype of the ram and the he
goat. They fit right between the sixth and seventh seal.
What is the lesson of the ram and the he goat? Let us read it in Daniel 8:5: "And I was considering, behold, an he
goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, [West is the opposite of the source of light. This was a picture
of darkness coming, something that was against light.] and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn
between his eyes." Now, there is a literal fulfillment of this prophecy. Daniel 8:20-21 tells us that "the ram [is] . . .
Media and Persia. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia." That is the literal rendering of this text, but there is also
a spiritual type here.
We read in Daniel 8:6, "And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river,
and ran unto him in the fury of his power." The Medo-Persian Empire, portrayed by the beast in Daniel, Chapter 7, was
before the Grecian Empire. So when we are talking about this "he goat," or the Grecians, we are talking about
something that succeeded, or was after, Medo-Persia. Now that is the literal. But I want you to catch the lesson. When
we see the he goat coming against the ram, the he goat was something that came up after the ram.
The ram represents something that was acceptable to God. In Genesis, Chapter 22, Abraham took Isaac up to offer
him as a sacrifice. He drew back the knife and would have killed him (the Hebrew letter says he slew him in his heart
and God raised him in a figure), but the angel told Abraham not to do it. Abraham did not slay Isaac. What did he find
as an acceptable sacrifice? A ram caught in the thicket. This ram portrays the people of God, people who were
acceptable to God, a people who embraced the sixth-seal message. After these people had embraced the sixth-seal
truths (Church of God truths) that had been taught to them and become acceptable to God, the same ministry who had
preached these truths turned around and fought against them.
Let us read Daniel 8:7. It states, "And I saw him come close unto the ram [the people], and he was moved with
choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns [this ram, the people of God, had two horns–the Word
and the Spirit]: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and
stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand." This sixth-seal ministry took the
people from a position of having two horns, the Word and the Spirit, and brought them down to the ground, back to
an earthen level with an earthen system.
You can read about this he goat in Daniel 8:10, which says, "And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and
it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground . . . ." The stars are the ministry. These stars had fallen from
their heavenly place. Christ said the stars were in His hand (Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 1:20), but here they are
being cast down to the ground, cast from their exalted position in Christ down to an earthen level. What caused that?
The "he goat." It is a picture of a fallen ministry, and it ties right in with Revelation, Chapter 12, where the tail of the
dragon, the spirit of unbelief, took hold. The ministry in this time period began to feel that some of the old truths were
unnecessary. They began to think it was unnecessary to preach on the separation of the church and to hold the standard
as high as it once was. That spirit of unbelief caused them to fall from their lofty position down to the ground.
Reading on in Daniel 8:11, we find, "Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily
sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down." What had once been the temple of God–the
Church of God–a people who held to the precious truths was cast down and became just as every other religious
system. If you were to go to one of their camp meetings (and I do not recommend it), you would be unable to tell the
difference between that and a sectarian meeting. Their sanctuary has been cast down. They are no longer in an exalted
position. They no longer hold to these truths.
To back up on light breaks fellowship. First John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship . . . ." If you do not walk in the light or truth, your fellowship is broken. Fellowship cannot be forced. Our
fellowship is not with people. My fellowship is not with you, and your fellowship is not with me. First John 1:3 says
that "our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." If I am clear with God and walking in everything

Jesus has shown me, my fellowship is hooked into Him in Heaven. If you are in the same condition, then your
fellowship is hooked into Him in Heaven. Thus, our fellowship meets in Heaven. Fellowship is divine.
When fellowship is broken, by not walking in the light, it brings darkness. John 12:35 tells us, "Then Jesus said
unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he
that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." When we are not walking in light, or truth, and we are in
darkness, it is sin. This is why "silence" came in on the camp. Sin had come in. If you do not take hold of light,
understanding, and knowledge when they come, sin comes. James 4:17 reads, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do
good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." These people knew truth. We know they knew truth because they preached it
so that others could know and stand for it. But then they failed to keep pace with it because of societal pressures, ease
of living, finance, retirement programs, and other things. There were people who saw the truth of this seventh-seal
message, and they knew that they should have left the Anderson Movement, but they said, "If I leave, I will lose my
pension." So they stayed and lost their souls.
This "silence" we are studying about (Revelation 8:1) was produced by sin. To see what this "silence" is, go to
Jeremiah 8:14. It says, "Why do we sit still? [If you truly have the glory of God ringing the joy bells in your soul, you
will find it hard to sit still. You will want to be on your feet; you will want to shout; you will want to praise God; you
will want to run the aisles. You will want to do something. Not everyone expresses it the same way, but everyone
expresses it. If it is there, it will come out. Some people sit and cry, others laugh, and some shout or run the aisles.
However, when sin enters in, suddenly people sit still.] assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities,
and let us be silent there [why?] for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink [why?],
because we have sinned against the LORD ." This was why there was "silence in heaven." People had silenced on the
message and on the truth. They backed up on what they knew, for various reasons, and it was sin because they knew
better. This is what brought "silence." Someone may say, "Well, I am not going to say anything; that way I will not
get in trouble." You might lose your soul by keeping quiet. If God tells you to say something or tell the truth and you
do not do it, you can lose your soul by being silent. If He tells you to testify and you do not, you can lose your soul.
Thank God, He is faithful. He will not just write you off the first time you fail to obey, but if you persist, it will not
be long until you will be on the outside looking in. You can only quench the Spirit for so long before He becomes
grieved and leaves you. That is what many of the sixth-seal brethren did.
"The Space of Half an Hour"
Revelation 8:1 continues by telling us that "there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." Why
is it denoted in this manner? What is the significance of "the space of half an hour"? Revelation, Chapter 18, tells
us that God prophetically gave one hour for judgment to be poured out on Babylon. We read in Revelation 18:10,
"Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one
hour is thy judgment come." Here God broke down in prophetic language all the judgment on Babylon to one hour.
"Half" of that hour, or half of that judgment, was to be poured out in the sixth seal. The other half hour, or the other
half of that judgment, was to be poured out in the seventh seal, the day and time in which we live. Revelation 18:6
verifies that, saying, "Reward her [Babylon] even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her
works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double." God wants a double cup put on Babylon. How? The first
cup in the sixth seal and the second cup in the seventh seal. That is how He wants judgment put on her. Those sixth-
seal brethren poured out truth on Babylon. They gave her a cup. But today, in the day and time in which we live, we
are to give her a double cup, or give her another cup.
By backing up on the message, the sixth-seal brothers undid the very work that God sent them to do. Church, we
cannot allow any spirit to cause us to hush up on any part of the message. If we compromise or disobey, we will lose
the presence of God, "silence" will set in, and we will end up with a solemn assembly that God hates. All the work
we have done, no matter how many years we have worked at it, will be undone. You may have lived for God for thirty
years, lived clean and straight, built an influence, a reputation, and caused people in your community to have
confidence in you, but one wrong step can undo thirty years of righteous living.
For fifty years, or for half an hour, they preached a message of come out, be separate, and touch not the unclean
thing. Then they built again the things they once destroyed. The Apostle Paul spoke of that in Galatians 2:18, saying,

"For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor." They had preached being separate,
but today the Anderson Movement is cooperating with the World Council of Churches. They have built again the things
they once destroyed. They transgressed, and by so doing, they have undone the message they preached. They have even
made it harder for us to preach it, because people confuse us with them.
Again, if we disobey or compromise, we will lose the presence of God. "Silence" will set in, and our assemblies
will become solemn. Isaiah 1:13 says, "Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new
moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting." God hates
solemn meetings. He likes the praise and shouts. Heaven will be filled with shouts and praises for all eternity. Matthew
7:22 states, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [What will Jesus say?] And then will I profess unto
them, I never knew you: depart from me . . . ." What did Jesus mean by that? They could not have cast out devils if they
did not know Christ, for Jesus said in Matthew 12:26, "And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how
shall then his kingdom stand?" Why did Jesus say to those who cast out devils, "I never knew you"? When you back
up on truth and apostatize but go right on with a profession of religion, God forgets all the good you have done. That
is exactly what happened to those sixth-seal brethren.
Ezekiel 18:24 tells us, "But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and
doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath
done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall
he die." God forgets it. It is a fearful thing to back up on truth! When these events transpired, the Lord "opened the
seventh seal." You can read of how these events were working. In a 1913 camp meeting, H. M. Riggle warned the
brethren that some of these things were coming. By 1930 it had fully developed. God had to set His hand and open the
"seventh seal."
A Second Remnant
In the sixth seal God gathered a remnant out of sectarianism, but in the "seventh seal" He set His hand a second
time. Now God is gathering a second remnant, a remnant of the remnant. That is why we do not have great, swelling
ranks. Isaiah 11:11 says, "And it shall come to pass in that day [a prophetic expression of this day], that the LORD shall
set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people . . . ." God has set His hand a second time and
is calling a people, not only out of Babylon but also out of the very system that He once used to call people to from
out of Babylon.
What is the message of the seventh seal age? Look at Revelation 8:2. We who are in this seventh seal have a very
unique position in human history. There are no other people who have occupied the position nor had the tremendous
responsibility that we have today. Look at our text: "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence
in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were
given seven trumpets." Revelation 8:1 begins series number three, which is the trumpet series, the sounding of the
"seven trumpets." As you read down through this chapter, you will realize that these "seven trumpets" did not all
sound in the "seventh seal." But Revelation 8:2 says, "And I saw," teaching us that the seventh-seal period of time
is the time that God has given for you and me to be able to see, as no other people in human history have ever seen,
the entirety of the message. We can also understand what took place all the way down through these seven periods that
make up the Gospel Day. The seventh-seal period is unique. It is the only period that will have complete understanding.
In this seventh-seal period of time, we see the truths of all the previous periods of time, as well as the truths for
our day. What a glorious time in which to live! If you read F. G. Smith's book on the Revelation and other writings,
you will find that they understood this. In the preface of his books, you will read: "We understand that we do not have
all of the truth yet. We understand that, if time stands, God will unfold greater understanding and make clearer the
mysteries." We now live in that time, when Revelation 10:7 says, "the mystery of God should be finished." God has
given complete understanding today concerning the message. No other time period could use a chart to show the whole
Gospel Day. They did not even have charts like ours. They only saw it as four major epics: morning, dark night, cloudy
day, and evening time. But in this fullness of time, we see a complete picture. We have the light of all the previous
periods of time, as well as the truths of our day.

Full and Complete Understanding
Speaking in prophetic language, Isaiah 30:26 says, "Moreover the light of the moon [the Old Testament] shall be
as the light of the sun [the New Testament], and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in
the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound." We are the only
people in human history who have the light of seven days. Someone may say, "Don't you wish you could have walked
the shores of Galilee when Jesus walked them?" No! There is no period that has been any more glorious or has had any
more of a revelation of truth than the day and time in which we are living. We are living in the fullness of time. We
have understanding, as Revelation 8:2 says, of "seven angels [and the] . . . seven trumpets." "Seven" in the
Scriptures is a number of completion. We are down to that complete period of time, when understanding is being
completed and fulfilled.
Revelation 10:7 reads, "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel [the day and time in which we are living],
when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
We are living in that time when God is finishing the mystery and things are becoming clear. God has given us full and
complete understanding. This does not mean that if time goes on, there will not be more understanding, for there will.
The Bible is the Living Word. But we are in the fullness of time. The next major scene after this is not a seal being
opened, but it is eternity. God is revealing truths today that have never before been revealed.
Romans 16:25-26 tells us: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching
of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is
made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made
known to all nations for the obedience of faith." Things that have been hid since the world began, God is now making
manifest. How does He make His Word manifest? Paul wrote in Titus 1:3, "But hath in due times manifested his word
through preaching . . . ." Things are being preached today that have never been preached in human history. If time
stands, there will be even more. We can see things as they really are. That is part of this time of fulfillment spoken of
in Revelation. In Matthew, Chapter 13, there are seven parables that correspond with the seven periods of this Gospel
Day. The seventh and last parable, the parable of the net, deals with our day, the seventh-seal period we are studying
about.
Matthew 13:47-48 says: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered
of every kind: Which, when it was full [or complete], they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into
vessels, but cast the bad away." What is the lesson? The net is the Gospel. We are living in a time when the Gospel
is so plain; we are not just working and fishing blindly. We are getting it right up into the light, where God's Word is
separating the good and the bad. You may think you really have a load on as long as that net is under the water. But
you get it up in the light and you might find you have all kinds of rubbish. We are living in a time when revelation is
coming forth, a time when we can see things as they truly are. We have the light and truth of all the previous eras, plus
the beauties of the truth of our day.
Glories of the Seventh Seal
What are a few of the glories of the "seventh seal"? They are each a study in themselves. In Revelation 15:5 John
talked about "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened." The temple is the church, and God
is bringing the church out into a clear position, where people can see her plainly. What is another beauty of our day?
Speaking of the sixth vial, which is in this seventh seal, Revelation 16:13 says, "And I saw three unclean spirits . . . ."
You may ask, "Is it a beauty to see foul, devilish spirits?" It is a beautiful thing to have a revelation and a clear
understanding of what is working, so you do not have to give in to it. We have a view of spirits working: what these
spirits are, how they are working, and what they work through. We can see things in a clear manner and see things for
what they are. In this day when false spirits are so thick, it is a real blessing to be able to have a revelation and have
some discernment to understand what they are.
Revelation 16:18, dealing with the seventh vial, talks about "a great earthquake . . . so mighty an earthquake, and
so great." It tells us that it was "such as was not since men were upon the earth." God is shaking and rearranging, trying
to get men's attention. He does it with truth. In Revelation, Chapter 19, there are two great gatherings: those who gather

to eat the "true sayings of God" (Revelation 19:9) at the marriage supper of the Lamb and those who come to eat the
"flesh of the kings, . . . captains, and . . . mighty men" (Revelation 19:18). In Revelation 20:9 we see the defeat of
falsity and a clear vision of truth. It says, "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of
the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." In our day
and time, God is loosing the fires of His Word (Jeremiah 23:29). Truth is triumphing over error. Revelation 22:4 states,
"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." He was not speaking of the eternal realm but
of a position we can hold in the church, where we can see truth clearly.
Keep in Step With the Truth
Prophetically, there are yet many things on the horizon. I, personally, do not feel that we have yet seen the real
depth of this earthquake. I do not feel the temple has yet been opened as plainly as God would like for it to be opened.
The two gatherings are not yet complete. The defeat of falsity and the fire of God's Word being loosed in such a clear
manner is something that yet looms on the horizon. This is why it is vital that we do not quiet down on the message.
If we are ever going to be able to enjoy what God has in store for us in His Word, we have got to keep the message
coming forth, plain and clear. We must continue to do what the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast." For
you and I to be recipients and enjoy this truth, we have to do our part, fill our role, and shoulder our responsibility.
How are we to do that? Stand fast! Do not quiet up on the message. Isaiah 58:1 says to "Cry aloud, spare not." We
cannot spare things that God's Word does not spare.
This is a glorious time in which to labor. Let us put our hands to the plow and not look back. There are some people
who cannot do anything for the present, because their minds are always in the past. What did Jesus say about that?
Luke 9:62 reads, "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God." We are going to have to forget what is behind us. Quit looking back! Do not look back to the "good
old days." If you are truly honest, they were not so good after all. The wise man said in Ecclesiastes 7:10, "Say not
thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this."
Let us keep our eyes on what is before us. Let us go straight forward.
When Ezekiel saw those four living creatures, a picture of the redeemed of all ages, every one of their feet went
straight forward (Ezekiel 1:9). Ezekiel 1:12 tells us, "Wither the spirit was to go, they went." If we will do that, it will
keep our feet straight too. Saint of God, you have every reason to be encouraged. We have the clearest message of any
people in human history. Daniel S. Warner wrote the song entitled Brighter Days Are Sweetly Dawning. He described
it well in verse 1: "Brighter days are sweetly dawning, O the glory looms in sight! For the cloudy day is waning, And
the evening shall be light."
May God help us, as seventh-seal Church of God people, to lay hold to these precious truths that God has entrusted
to us. For if we miss the mark, there are no more seals. There are no more opportunities. This is the time that God has
given us. The next scene is eternity. That makes you and me tremendously responsible. May God help us, as the
Apostle Paul said, to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1). The seventh-seal message
is a glorious message. It is up to us to put it on, live it out, and carry it forth. God's Word will still not come back to
Him void, but "it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). Press on, my brother, sister!

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The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SEALS SERIES

P ART O NE: The New Covenant

P ART T WO: Agents of the Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Preparation for Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

The First Seal (A.D. 33-270) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Spiritual Truths and Visions

The Seventh Seal (A.D. 1930-Second Advent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The New Covenant and What It Produces

A Door Opened in Heaven

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 7

John's Vision of the Glory of the Lord

8 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Seven Colors of the Rainbow

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 9

10 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 11

Symbols From the Old Economy

12 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The "Four and Twenty Elders"

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 13

"Four and Twenty" Is a Multiple of Twelve

14 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Ministry Is Entrusted With a Powerful Message

The Sea of Glass Is the Word of God

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 15

16 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

An Introduction to the Seals Series:

The Four Beasts

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 17

Living Creatures Are the Redeemed

18 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

Where Are the Old Testament Brethren?

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 19

What Do the "Four Living Creatures" Portray?

Seraphims and Cherubims

20 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 21

22 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

An Introduction to the Seals Series:

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 23

24 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Book Represents All Scripture

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 25

No Man Was Worthy to Open the Book

26 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

Horns Denote Power

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 27

Spiritual Eyes Needed to Truly See

28 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 29

30 The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2

The Book of Revelation Explained - Volume 2 31

THE FIRST SEAL